Family Ties

Part 2

by Leona

Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the TV program "Big Valley" are the creations of Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright infringement is intended by the author. The ideas expressed in this story are copyrighted to the author.

The next week was Leah’s third birthday. They had some children come over to help her celebrate her birthday and play for the day. She had a great time with all her guests, having a tea party. She received lots of presents, including dishes, dolls, clothes and books. Janine gave her a special brooch that her mother had given her and some ribbons for her hair.

Heath came in at his usual time from working out in the barn. He opened the door and surveyed the room. There were a lot of children milling about. “Well what’s this?” He asked as Leah came running over to him. “ya have a lot of friends here today. Why is that?” Heath smiled at his daughter.

“Papa! Din’t you know its me birfday?” He feigned shock as he shook his head no.

“I was wonderin’ why there was a gift outside.” He teased her. She squealed as Heath picked her up. Janine and the others followed him outside as he led her towards the barn. Inside was a beautiful chestnut pony with a white mane and a star upon her forehead.

Leah gasped, “For me?”

Heath nodded. “It is yours and with that present comes responsibility. Ya must exercise her everyday and keep her stall clean plus food and water.”

“K Papa. Ride me?”

Heath nodded, “I will teach you to ride, Lil One.”

“Oh goody!” She clasped her hands together. “Ride me now, Papa?” He lifted her up onto the pony and gave her a short ride around the barn yard. Then he gave all the other children rides. Soon it was time for the other children to go back home. Heath and Nick volunteered to take the children home while the others helped clean up the mess inside the house.

Leah took all her gifts upstairs and looked at them all. She put them all neatly on her chair and table. Janine came in to tell her she was going to lie down for a while. “That looks very nice Sweetheart. Did you have a nice birthday?”

“Yeah! Wike pony! Need name tho.”

“Yes your pony needs a name. Can’t keep calling him pony can ya?”

“Yeah Mama. Think somethin’ me.” she said.

“K Leah. I’m going to lie down,” yawned Janine. “Go downstairs and tell papa. Babies need feeding I think.”

“K Mama. Wove you”

“Love you too, Sweetheart.” She walked out of her daughter’s room and into her room, her back hurting from being on her feet too long. She cried herself to sleep, silently praying that the pain would subside.

She woke up a while later, bathed in sweat. The pain was worse then before. She lied there thinking about what to do. She could hardly move because of the pain. The tears ran down her face as another wave of pain washed over her. She almost cried out but bit her lip instead. I’m such an birdbrain, she thought. Why oh why didn’t I listen to them. They knew what was good for me and I didn’t listen. Tears streamed down her face as she waited for Heath to come check on her.

Heath did come after a while to find his wife in tears. “Go get Dr. Merar please Heath.” she struggled as another wave of pain washed over her. He nodded, backing out of the bedroom and asked Victoria to go tend to Janine. Heath then asked Nick to go for the doctor. Nick nodded, kissed Chelsea and headed off into the darkness.

Heath went racing up the stairs to tend to his wife, who was trying hard to keep the tears from coming but not having much luck. “Oh Heath! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” He grasped her hand and wiped her brow with a cold cloth.

“shhhhh….its ok Janey. Just relax. Dr. Merar will be here soon. Everythin’ will be fine.” He hoped he sounded better then he felt. Truth was, he was scared, very scared. He glanced at Victoria who was barking orders at Jenny to get some hot water and some towels. He caressed her cheek and wiped her brow, all the time trying to keep their minds off what was happening. He felt her relaxing and almost falling asleep. Then she woke up again about ten minutes later. She grasped Heath’s hand in a vise like grip. Then it was over again and she relaxed.

Victoria motioned to Heath to join him in the hallway. “You relax Janine, Heath and I will be right back. Jenny will be right here if you need something.” She nodded to show she understood and closed her eyes.

Out in the hallway, Victoria spoke in quiet tones, “I’m not sure what’s happening here, Heath. I don’t want to frighten you but it looks like she is bleeding. I am hoping that she isn’t…... Oh, Heath. Be strong. She needs you.” Victoria hugged him to her then disappeared back into the bedroom. Heath didn’t know what to say, so he just stood in the hall, with tears in his eyes. It can’t be happening again, he cried to himself. It can’t be! He steeled himself when he heard a door open. Leah came out and padded down the hall towards him. He sat on the settee that was in the hall and pulled Leah into his lap.

“Leah I need you to be a big girl and sit downstairs with Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Jarrod. Mama is not feelin’ well and needs the doctor. Can ya do that for me?” Leah’s blue eyes were big with fright. “Don’t worry Leah, she’ll be fine. I just need ya to go downstairs and make sure your brothers are all right, k?”

“Mama sick? She be ok?” Heath nodded, afraid to speak again.

He cleared his throat and told her to go. “I’m gonna stay with Mama. Be a good girl, k and help Aunt Chelsea?”

“Yes Papa. I be good.” She hugged him and kissed his tear stained cheek. “Tell Mama wove you, k?”

“Will do, Lil One. Now be off with ya.” She jumped off his lap and looked forlornly at him. “It’ll be all right. Go now.” She nodded and went slowly down the stairs, very worried about her mother.

Nick came in a while later, and led the doctor up the stairs to Heath’s old room. He saw the white face of Janine and the pursed lips of his brother. He tried to get Heath to leave the room but he wouldn’t leave and Janine didn’t want him to leave. She had his hand in a grip that looked like a death grip. Nick left the room, saddened by the sight, but determined to look after his niece and nephews till they could.

Heath went back tending to his wife, wiping her brow and talking softly about anything and everything to her. He needed to do this to keep themselves calm. Howard looked at her but didn’t show any emotion, he checked her over and called Heath out to the hall. He kissed her forehead and told her that he would be right back. Out in the hall, the family friend and doctor told him, “She is very close to losing the baby. If she stays in bed and I mean in bed, she still has a chance of carrying the baby full term. This is real important Heath! Watch her closely tonight, I think the worst of the pain is over, but for the next two weeks she must rest. Oh and I should tell you, when I was examining her, I heard two heartbeats.” Heath looked at him, “T-t-t-two?”

Dr. Merar smiled weakly at the nervous cowboy. “Just make sure she doesn’t move from that bed unless its to go to the water closet.” Heath nodded. “She’ll be fine Heath as long as she rests.” Howard put his large clean hand on Heath’s shoulder as a gesture of sympathy and friendliness. Heath thanked him and walked him to the door.

Leah sleepily went to her father and held up her arms to be picked up. “Mama ok?”

“Yes Leah, Mama be ok. Ya should go to bed now and ya can see her in the mornin’.”

“K Papa. Night Unca Nick, Unca Jarrod, Aunt Chelly. Wove you.” They came over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Nick tousled her blond curls.

“See ya in the morning, niece. I’ll help ya with your pony.”

“Thank ya Unca Nick. Her name is Star.” With that Heath took her to her room and tucked her in. “Night Papa. Tell Mama, wove you.”

“I will Lil One. Go to sleep now. I’ll come by in a little while and check on you.”

K papa. Wove you.”

“Love ya too. Night.” He turned the lamp down and left the door ajar. He walked over to the babies’ room and checked on them. They were sleeping peacefully, unaware of their mother’s distress.

Nick and Chelsea went to bed soon after, tired of the days events. What an exciting day it had been, with Leah’s birthday and now with Janine’s troubles with the baby. Chelsea lay in the darkness, thinking about Janine. She always had qualms about having babies and now this just confirmed her fears. She knew that Janine had lost a baby before, and that Leah was born early, but she never witnessed anything up close. She was not only afraid of bringing up a baby, but afraid of carrying the baby. She snuggled closer to her sleeping husband, and draped her arm around his waist. She kissed his smooth back, trying to calm her fears and wondering how to tell her handsome husband about her fears. She closed her eyes and willed sleep to come. She loved Nick and all the excitement he brought to her. She loved his touches and the way he made her feel, she simply melted whenever he looked at her. She knew she should have discussed her fears with Nick before they got married, but she hadn’t the courage. With these thoughts in mind, she fell into a fitful sleep. Nick turned over and held her to him, sleeping soundly, blissfully unaware of his wife’s struggles.

Jarrod and Jenny lay in bed, discussing the day’s events. They held each other as they thought about Heath and Janine’s almost tragedy. Jenny kept her thoughts to herself, glad that nothing had happened during her confinement. She hated to see anybody in pain and seeing someone this close in this family, suffering like her sister in law, made her rethink her values. The Chinese put strong values on family, having many extended members living in the same house and learning from all of them. Jenny had never seen anything like this up close, although she knew things like this happened to some people, it scared her to know that a friend of hers was going through all this. Not a friend, she thought, but her sister. She told Jarrod that she would what she could to help Janine during this difficult time. He knew she would, she was a lover of people, and enjoyed helping others. Jarrod held his wife close as they willed sleep to come. Jarrod hoped that things would be better in the morning.

Heath crawled into bed with his wife, careful not to disturb her. He hated seeing her this way, it pained him to see her in agony. He didn’t know what to do to help her, but he would try to make her as comfortable as he possibly could. She groaned as she turned onto her back. She opened her eyes to find the lamp still on and her husband’s pained blue eyes watching her. She raised her hand to caress his cheek. “I’ll be okay husband. I am sorry that I over did it today. I will be good and listen to the doctor.” She whispered hoarsely to him. He nodded, the tears welling up in his eyes. “I’m such a dunce sometimes, wanting my own way and never listening to what’s good for me. Maybe I should start now?” she smiled at him through her tired eyes and closed them as a slight pain wave hit her. “I love you Heath Barkley. You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Heath watched as his beloved wife went through a little more pain. “I love ya too my pretty. Ya scared me tonight Janey.” she held out her arms and they both held each other, not wanting to think of what might have happened.

“Janey?”

“Ya know what Howard told me?”

“No. What?” She was so tired, and waves of pain washed over her, but not as severe as before. She heard the concern in his voice. “What is it, Heath? Is it bad?”

“No, my pretty, not really.”

“Well what did he say? Heath Barkley, you’d better tell me! You’re scaring me”

He kissed her then said, “He heard two heartbeats, Janey.”

“T-t-two?” Heath nodded. “Oh my goodness! Two? We’re having TWINS?”

“I reckon so. That means you have to be extra careful Janey.” She nodded slowly, amazed at the thought. She closed her eyes and snuggled into Heath’s loving arms. What a day this has turned into, she thought as sleep claimed them both. Throughout the night she woke up groaning and Heath held her as another small wave of pain washed over her.

The next few days passed in a blur for everyone especially for Heath and Janine. Heath spent time with Leah, making sure she knew how to take good care of her pony. He took her for short rides as well as helping around the ranch but not wandering too far away in case he was needed. He was still frightened but as was his way, he wouldn’t let anyone know. Victoria watched her stepson with trepidation. She knew he was worried as she saw how hard he pushed himself to do the work of both him and his wife.

She walked out towards him intent on talking to him. “T….Heath” Heath turned around and saw Victoria looking at him. “Are you all right, son?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing Mother.” He searched her face for an answer, and waited.

“I’m fine. I’m worried about you Heath. Do you want to talk about it?” He eyed her, and shook his head. “Okay Heath. But you shouldn’t work so hard, you’re going to make yourself sick.” He smiled at her, then kissed her cheek.

“I’ll be all right. Janey’s gotta stay in bed and I’m just helpin’ out.” Victoria nodded. “Mother, I gotta ask. Are ya all right. Twice now you called me Tom. Why?”

“I did? Must be because I’ve been thinking of him a lot lately. Not to worry Sweetheart. I won’t do it again.” She turned to go in the house, sweeping the ground as she left. He smiled in admiration after her. How he was glad that she was his step mother. So much like his own beloved mother, he thought wistfully. She would have been so proud of his wife and children. He watched as Leah led Star around the corral, talking silently to her pony. A born horsewoman, he thought, have to tell Janey about the wonder that was their daughter.

Upstairs, lying in her room, Janine was getting frustrated. She hated lying around and she wasn’t shy about letting people know her feelings. David was learning how to walk now and was getting into everything. Freddy cried a lot now, and was starting to get on her nerves. She just wanted to cry herself. This is not fair she complained quietly to the air. There was a knock on the door so she wiped her eyes and called “come in!”

The door opened, “Are you up to company?” asked a very girlish voice.

“Audra! Come in and sit down! I could do with some company. I’m so bored!”

Audra laughed and pulled up a chair. David came up to her and wanted to be picked up. “Well hello there Davey. I see you’re up and running around these days. Janey, how do you do it?”

“I don’t. Can’t ya see? He’s been everywhere. Heath makes sure everything is up before he leaves and Victoria comes in every now and again to bring food and bottles. Driving me nuts. No one will let me do anything!” Audra watched as her good friend gave in to her tears. “Oh will you look at me! Cheer me up Audra. Ya didn’t come to see me weep I am sure!” Audra smiled and patted her belly. “How are ya feelin’ Audra? Feel the baby move yet?”

“Janey I have! Its a wonderful feeling. He is always moving now. Won’t let me sleep at night.” Janine smiled and nodded. “I don’t like being fat though.”

“Me neither. I’ll just be glad when I can get out of this bed and have the baby outside in my arms.”

“Janey, I’m so sorry I wasn’t here when you were having all the problems. I feel so bad.” Audra worried for her friend. Life wouldn’t be the same without Janine in it. They were a lot a like with the same kind of high spirits that often got themselves into trouble. The other wives shook their heads when the two of them got together because of all the giggling and carrying on they did. The brothers have learned to stay away when they were together because they were often the object of their hijinks.

“Its okay Audra. You have to rest too. You need to bring us a beautiful baby to add to this already large family. If I wasn’t so stupid and not over do it on the birthdays I wouldn’t have to be here now.” She felt better after spilling out what was bothering her.

“I’m gonna start coming over more often. You can’t be lying around bored all the time. You need help with the babies. Any word on a nanny yet?”

“Not yet Audra. We wrote a letter to Mama and Papa to see if they can find us one there. I wish Jemmy was still here. She was my nanny. She was wonderful. Always answered all my questions, kept in line most times. I was a little monster though. Then when I ran off to be married to Gary, she left my parents house and went to be a nanny elsewhere. I sure miss her.”

Audra heard the wistful tone in her voice. She let David down and let him run around while they gossiped some more about Audra’s life as a rancher’s wife, about the newest fashions and their husbands. They were laughing so hard they didn’t hear the door open. Heath watched as Audra and Janine laughed over some crazy stunt one or the other had pulled on one of their brothers. “I reckon ya two have jawed enough about us. What are ya cookin’ up this time?” Janine looked up startled to see her husband leaning against the door, his white hat pushed high on his head. He took it off and held it in his hand. “Audra, Fred is here and is waiting for ya down in the parlour. I hope ya haven’t done anything to my stuff.” The girls looked at each and laughed heartily at the slightly amused Heath.

Audra rose from the comfortable chair and placed Freddy in Janine’s arms. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Can’t have you bored every day can we? I have a great idea for us.” She looked at Heath. “It doesn’t involve you Big Brother.” Heath looked relieved, he wasn’t quite up to their games just yet.

After Audra left, Heath picked up David just as he was getting into the armoire, playing with Heath’s boots. “I don’t think ya want to play with those, Davey. They are powerful dirty.” He gently took the boots away and let him play with his hat. Janine watched him as he cleaned up. She crawled out of bed and stood behind him, washing the dirt off his back. “Ya aren’t supposed to be out of bed Janey.” He admonished her quietly.

“I know. But I have been good all day. Well maybe…I did stay in bed all day. I am just so bored. How was Leah?” Heath looked at their reflection in the mirror. He was tanned golden from the sun, she a little paler but looked much better then just a few days ago. He pulled her in front of him and kissed her just as David pulled on his pant leg, wanting up. Freddy cried as well and Janine pulled angrily away from her husband.

She sat on the bed, tears rolling down her cheeks. She could not take the crying anymore. She crawled under the blankets and pulled them over her head. Heath did not know what to make of this and tried his best to calm the screaming baby while keeping an eye out for David who had disappeared from sight. There was a knock on the door, and Chelsea took Freddy out of the room while Victoria took David. They left the room leaving a bewildered Heath and his crying wife.

He went over to the bed and crawled under the blankets with her. He held her as she cried and kissed her hair. She pushed out of his arms and glared at him. “I’m so tired of lying here Heath! I am tired of screaming children! I’m so tired of you!” She spat out and he lay there, stunned. Never had she screamed out such anger at him. They had always curbed the anger before it got too far. Well now it had and he had no clue on how to stop the anger. “GET OUT NOW!” Heath got up out of the bed. She threw a pillow at him and yelled, “GO AWAY!” Then she sobbed into the other pillow as Heath backed out the door and down the stairs.

Heath looked at his family sitting around the fireplace, waiting for them to come down for dinner. He didn’t say a word to anyone, just walked out the door, heading out towards the barn. He was saddling Charger when Nick came out to talk to him. “Heath what happened?” the cowboy turned to face his brother, the look on Heath’s face was indescribable. His eyes mirrored hurt, anger, confusion that he was feeling deep inside. “Heath? Are ya all right?” Heath nodded slowly.

“Yeah Nick. I need to get away for a bit.” Nick put his callused hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. “I’ll be okay Nick. I just need to go have a beer. I’ll be back, don’t worry.”

“K Heath.. Do ya want me to come with ya for company?” Heath didn’t say anything as Nick saddled up Coco. Nick knew Heath wouldn’t answer him but he would allow him to go along. They mounted their horses and started off towards town each deep into their own thoughts. Nick knew enough not to speak to Heath until he was good and ready but he wanted to be with him in case he wanted to talk.

Janine sobbed into her pillow and didn’t hear the knock on her door. The door opened as Victoria swept into the room bringing with her an air of authority. “Janine!” The sobbing woman was startled and wiped her eyes. Victoria felt sympathetic towards her daughter-in-law but steeled herself . She sat down on the edge of the bed and took her hand. “What’s wrong, Sweetheart?”

“Oh Victoria! I don’t know. Freddy been crying all day, Davey is into everything. I just can’t take it anymore! I got mad at Heath.” This started her sobbing all over again. “I can’t just get up and deal with it!” she sobbed. Victoria reached over and caressed her wavy hair, sighing.

“Janine! Don’t you think it’s about time you quit feeling sorry for yourself? You’re a good, strong woman. I can’t say that I know that what you’re feeling but you got to get hold of yourself.” Janine looked at Victoria dumbfounded. She had never spoken this way to her before, and Janine didn’t know what to do so she sat and listened. “Why did Heath leave?”

Janine sniffled as her eyes filled with tears. “he left because I told him to.”

Victoria sighed, “Why did you do that?”

“I am so frustrated, bored, annoyed. Everything he does lately annoys me. I hate him hovering over me all the time. I don’t want to be coddled. No…that’s not what I meant. Oh Gee! I don’t know what I want!”

“Men have a way of being too over protective when it comes to women and their babies. You have it rough I know and Heath feels it too. Don’t you think he is worried too?”

“Yeah I suppose he is. But I don’t want him mollycoddling me all the time! Its annoying. Always asking me if I’m ok. Always trying to convince me to stay in bed. I hate it!” She spat out viciously. “I hate it that everyone asks me how I’m feelin! I hate that I have three kids to look after while I’m in bed! I hate not having my mother here!”

Victoria saw the root of her problem. “You miss your mother, don’t you?” Janine nodded. “How about if I send a telegram to your parents asking them to come out? They can stay here.”

“Oh could they, Victoria? I really want my mother. I feel like a baby wanting my mama, but I need her.” Victoria patted her hand, reassuringly.

“I’ll do it first thing in the morning, Janey. But you need to talk to Heath and get your feelings sorted out.”

“Where did Heath go? Is he downstairs?”

“No Sweetheart. He left the house with Nick.”

“Where did he go? He didn’t actually leave did he?”

“I’m sure he didn’t.” she tried to sound reassuring but she felt nothing but reassuring. Heath was hurt and angry, and he would be back when he was good and ready. “We will look after the children for you. You try to rest and I’ll look in on you a little later.”

“Thanks Victoria. I’m sorry I’m such a pain. I feel horrible and feel like I’m using you. I hate this feeling!”

“You’re not using us. We are family and we stand together, through good and through the bad. Through sickness and in health. That almost sounds like a marriage vow. Maybe you should try to remember that.” She smiled. “I love you Janine. You brought a lot of happiness to Heath’s life. You are very good to this family. Don’t ever feel bad about being who you are. We all love you.”

Janine reached out her arms and hugged her mother-in-law. “Thank you Victoria. You all mean a lot to me as well.” Janine laid back on her pillow, thinking about her attitude lately, it had been self pitying and mean. She meant to resolve that and try to be more accepting of her situation. If she kept on the way she was acting, she would lose all that was precious to her, her husband and family. Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks, this time the tears were not for herself, but for the others which she had caused so much pain.

Heath and Nick reached the saloon about an hour later. They paraded in through the wooden swinging doors and ordered drinks. Heath sat down at the nearest table which had a poker game happening. Nick sat beside him and they were dealt in to the game. After a few hands and a pitcher of beer, Heath had enough. He had won fifty dollars and was pleased with himself. Nick fared just as well and followed his brother out of the saloon and leaped up on their mounts.

“You know Nick,” started Heath as they rode out of town towards the ranch. “Wives are wonderful to have.” Nick glanced at his brother who was staring straight ahead. “They can also be the moodiest of all creatures ever!” Nick pulled the reins on Coco and stopped. Heath did the same but stayed on Charger, still looking straight ahead, no emotions coming forth from the man.

“Heath?” He didn’t acknowledge Nick. He just sat on Charger and continued talking.

“She is beautiful, kind, and loving. She is my life and joy Nick. I can’t imagine my life without her. She is a great mother, and a great wife. But boy howdy! She is moody. I can’t take much more! She cries at everything, gets mad at me for nothing. I tried being patient with her! I did. Tonight was the worst. The baby started crying and so did she. I just wanted to cry myself. Then she screamed at me to leave.” He turned to Nick, his emotions out in the open.

Nick was struck by the awesome power of Heath’s emotional distress. He gauged his words carefully as he spoke. “Heath, does she know how you feel? I mean really feel?” Heath shook his head. “Well little brother don’t you think its time you two talked to each other. I mean really talked. You can’t go on like this.” Heath nodded, agreeing full heartedly with Nick. He directed Coco closer to Heath then placed his large hand on his shoulder. “You two love each other, please talk to her. You will lose her if this keeps on, Heath.”

Heath thought about what his brother had to say, realizing he was right. They talked but not about what was really bothering them. “Thank you Nick. Let’s go home. I need to do me some talking.”

Nick chuckled, “You’d better listen too little brother.” Heath smiled and galloped off to the house, arriving there in record time. Heath jumped off Charger and had him unsaddled and curried quickly. Heath had a bounce to his step as he went about his business. Nick smiled as he watched his brother. Isn’t love wonderful? He asked himself as he unsaddled Coco.

Heath threw open the front door and found that everyone was waiting with bated breath for his return. He didn’t say much to them, just nodded his head and ran up the stairs two at a time. He gulped as he slowly opened the door and found that his wife was sleeping. How peaceful she looks, he mused as he removed his boots and laid on the bed beside her. She moved towards him, automatically in her sleep, and groaned when he kissed her cheek. “Janey?” he whispered in her ear. He nibbled on her ear lightly, making her smile.

“Heath?” she asked sleepily.

“Who else would it be nibblin’ on your ear?” He asked her.

“Prince Charming.” She answered, stretching and yawning.

“Aren’t I your Prince Charming?” He asked kissing her awake. She shook her head. “What? I’m hurt. I’m goin’ now!” He sat up just as her feminine hand touched his arm and pulled him back. She drew him closer, kissing his neck, face, lips hungrily.

“I’m sorry Heath.” He didn’t answer right away as he was too busy kissing her back, caressing and almost giving to his passion. Janine pulled away first, looking deep into his blue eyes, “I think we need to talk Heath.” He sighed and held his head up with his fist. He traced her lips with his finger making her smile.

“Yes, my pretty, I reckon that’s a good idea.” So they talked about the things that mattered, why she acted the way she did, how they felt about it. They talked almost all night about everything. They fell asleep for a while then woke up in each other’s arms talking again. They held each other, whispering and chuckling. Making promises to each other about always talking about their problems and not letting them build up. “I love ya Janine. Don’t ya ever forget it.”

“I won’t Cowboy. I love my life with you. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” They smiled at each other then kissed once again, wanting never to stop.

Jarrod and Jenny were sympathetic to Heath and Janine’s problems. They heard the laughter coming from their room and knew that all was well with them. They were going to take the boys for the day so they could have some time alone together. Nick and Chelsea were going to take Leah for the day. They were going to take her for a ride to show her the wild horses that bordered the property.

Heath decided to spend the whole day with his wife, they were going to go for a small walk in Victoria’s flower gardens. After spending two weeks in bed, she deserved a small outing. They walked outside, enjoying the sunshine and warm air. The smell of fresh rose blooms filled the air. They held hands as they strolled around admiring the rock walls filled with perennials. The roses adorned the top of the wall, red ones, white ones, yellow ones. It was breathtaking. They stopped at the gazebo and sat down. “Are ya okay Janey?”

“Yeah Heath. Just need to rest for a bit.”

“Take all the time ya need. We have the whole day.” He put his arm around her and drew her closer. He kissed the top of her head as she lay it on his shoulder. They snuggled like that for a long while. Heath looked down at her to see that she had fallen asleep. He adjusted his body so that they were more comfortable, and he fell asleep with his head on top of hers.

A little while later they woke up, blurry eyed. Sitting up, they stretched and smiled at each other. “Well that was a rest I never expected” said Heath grinning.

“I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I just felt so comfortable lying in your arms.” He pulled her into his lap and she wrapped her arms around him, sighing. “I love you Heath.” He kissed her lips, parting them with his tongue, savoring her taste. She returned his passion before he pulled away, breathless.

“I love the way you make me feel Janey. Its like I first met you all over again.” She smiled devilishly and drew his head down to hers. She kissed with so much passion, that he was lost. They kissed like that for a while and then pulled away from each other. “Janey. We mustn’t do this.”

“I know Heath, but its so much fun.” She told him wickedly. He playfully chucked her chin and stood up. He reached out his hand and took hers in his, caressing it lovingly. Let’s go back home, put you back to bed. I’ll make us a bite to eat and we can have a picnic in our room.”

She sighed and clasped his hand, entwining her fingers with his. “Sounds good, Heath. Let’s go.” Hand in hand they made their way back to the house, stopping to smell the roses or sneaking a kiss under the trees along the way. Before they opened the door to the house, Janine stopped Heath and wrapped her arms around his neck. Heath leaned against the side of the house, lost in her kiss and the smell of her hair. “Okay! We have to stop this.” she reached up and slapped the back of his head.

“Ow! What was that for?” He rubbed the back of his head.

“For tempting me with that kiss of yours.” She grinned at him wickedly and opened the door.

“Now looky here Janey.” He followed her in, chuckling. They went upstairs and Janine crawled into bed after taking her boots off. Heath covered her up and caressed her cheek. “I love ya, my pretty. Ya get some rest, and I’ll get us some food. Maybe I’ll let ya come downstairs for supper.”

“You’ll let me? Why Heath Barkley…….” He was out the door before she finished her sentence. She smiled at the closed door. That cowboy of hers was something else but he was hers and she loved him with all her heart.

One day early in June, Heath had just come back from town, bringing someone with him. Janine was large with child, and sitting in the parlour with Audra who was having troubles getting comfortable in the chair she was sitting in. They were both chatting and sewing baby clothes for each other. “Janey, I’ve a surprise for you.”

She looked up and saw that it was her mother, father and a big black lady she had never seen before. She went to stand up but Marge stopped her by rushing up to her just as she was standing up.

“Mama!” she exclaimed excitedly. “Papa!” She was swept up in hugs and kisses from both parents. “Heath never even mentioned that you’d be here!” She sent a look to him that said she would speak to him later about this.

“Daughter, we were so worried about you! How are you feeling? You’d better sit down!” Smiling, they all took their seats, “Oh hi Audra, how nice to see you. Well would you look at that?” Marge smiled as she spoke to Audra and seeing her protruding body.

Audra smiled and said, “My baby is to be born around the same time as Janey’s.”

“Well isn’t that nice,” commented Marge. Heath stood at the door with the strange woman. “Heath bring Laura here.” He obediently took the black woman’s arm and walked over to where the ladies were sitting. He had no idea who this lady was either and the Greenes had no intention of telling him until they saw their daughter first. Janine looked at the lady, a spark of recognition was in her eyes.

“LAURA!” She stood up and hugged her childhood friend. “Whatever are ya doing here?”

“Ya mammy said youse needed a nanny, so heres I am.”

“Oh Laura! This is wonderful!” Heath looked perplexed as the Greenes smiled. “Heath! Laura is the daughter of my nanny, we played together as children. Well I played and she just went along, seeing’s she’s quite a bit older then me.”

Heath smiled at the lady and stuck out his hand, “Nice to meet you. I’ll go round up the children so you all can meet them.” With that Heath left to gather the children from their rooms and bring them down to meet the grandparents and nanny. Janine had Silas make some tea, visiting with her parents before she had to go upstairs and rest till supper.

Heath had both boys in his arms and Leah ran up to her mother. “Hi Mama. Papa said that…” She stopped and stared at the couple on the sofa who were smiling at her. “Who they?” she demanded of her mother.

“Leah, that is impolite. But to answer your question, meet your grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Greene.” Leah slunk behind her mother and stared at the couple. She hadn’t seen them since she was a baby and had gone to New York with her parents. Marge and Charles had made plans to come back to California but Marge had gotten sick and couldn’t travel. Janine observed her mother, and saw that she had lost weight, her countenance gaunt. Charles poured himself into his work at the bank where soon he would be retiring. Janine was very glad her mother had come as she really needed her mother at this point.

“See my bwothers? This here Davey. He gonna be one soon.” She said patting and kissing the dark head of the little boy. Heath put him down where he toddled over to them and lifted his arms to be picked up by his mother. She picked him up gingerly, and placed him on her lap. “This Fweddy. He is wittle and no talk and no walk yet. But he nice.” She looked up at her father who nodded appreciatively at her. Marge held her arms out to the little boy with the blond hair.

As Marge held onto the little boy, she felt a little tug on her dress. David had come to her wanting to be picked up. He wanted to be with his brother. Janine smiled at her children. Leah gradually went near her grandparents and then asked to sit on Charles’ knee. Charles picked her up and sat on his knee. Leah looked up at him with wonder in her eyes then said, “you my gampa?”

“Yep. That’s what I was told”

She smiled and sat on his knee watching her brothers being passed around from grandparent to grandparent. She watched as the large black woman held Freddy. “He need changin’ fo sho. Lead me to his room and I change him.”

“No need, Laura. Ya just got here. This is your day to relax.”

“Nonsense, Mrs. Janine. I came here to work and work I will.” Heath chuckled as she took both babies and headed off towards the stairs. “Ok. Mr. Heath is it?” he nodded. “Show me the way and I fix babies up fine.” Janine smiled as her husband led the way upstairs to the nursery.

“Thank ya Mama, Papa. For bringing Laura here. Now maybe I can move home.” Both parents looked at her incredulously.

“You are to stay here until that baby is born, young lady!” Audra chuckled as she watched her friend’s expression. Janine felt like shrinking into her chair. She felt a pair of masculine hands on her shoulders. She looked up and there was Heath grinning at her.

“I told ya so,” he said to her. She slapped his hand and that made Audra laugh out loud. The rest of the family came in to wait for supper, shaking hands with the new arrivals and made small talk until Silas announced supper. They ate heartily, and the table was lively. There were a lot of conversations happening, and Victoria watched with a smile on her face. Her mind wandered away from the conversations as she thought about her husband and how he would have loved this extended family.

After dinner, they made their way to the pool room where the men played a very lively game of pool. Janine yawned, and decided it was time she went to rest. “I’m sorry but I think its time I went to bed. Been up for a long time today.” She spied Heath watching her, “I think I had better before Nurse Heath nags me to go to bed.” Everyone chuckled at this remark. “Come on Leah, say goodnight to everyone.”

“G’night ev’wybody.” She went around the room kissing and hugging everyone. She took Janine’s hand and together they went to bed. Heath came up after a while and found his wife sleeping. He undressed and slipped under the covers, snuggling close to her. He draped his large arm over her side and felt the babies moving within her. He was at peace now that they had a nanny for the children, and her parents were here for her. He closed his eyes and let the comforting kick of the babies lull him to sleep.

Heath let Janine sleep late. She grew bigger each day it seemed to both of them. She stayed in bed a lot more but everyone came to visit her bringing the children for her. David was now running around and Freddy was just trying to crawl. Laura was great with them, never doing anything to them without asking the couple. Heath was pleased that Janine seemed a lot happier now that things were going back into a routine. Heath could go back to the range and not worry about her.

Jarrod and Jenny watched as the couple relaxed now that her family was around to take care of her. They decided to have a special day of their own. They took little Cat with them on a picnic at their favorite spot on the river. It was a grassy spot with the pools of water swirling past them. Up above was a small waterfall, the water cascading over a large pile of rocks making a soothing sound. The birds chirped their happy songs and the squirrels cackling, warning for danger.

Jarrod held Cat as Jenny laid the blanket down on the grass. He put Cat down on the blanket and took the picnic basket from her. They set out the food, a combination of Chinese and western fair. Jenny had been teaching Silas how to cook Chinese style, and he learned fast. He made some almond chicken, egg rolls, and sweet and sour pork for their picnic. He also put in some fried chicken, potato salad, some sweet rolls, and wine.

Cat fell asleep soon after finishing her bottle. Jarrod stood up and reached his hand to his wife, wanting to go sit on the rock near the creek. Hand in hand they walked to the rock, Jarrod sitting on it and pulling her into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck as they watched the ducks try to swim upstream. They saw the fish jump and watched as the ducks dove under the water. Jarrod kissed the back of her neck and caressed her stomach. Jenny turned around, wrapping her tiny arms around his waist. She parted her lips for a passionate kiss and he responded. As they kissed, their hands roamed over their bodies, wanting to fulfill the desire that came upon them. With one last look at Cat, they laid down on the grass and greedily succumbed to the heated passion that built up between them.

Cat woke up after a while, wanting to be fed and changed, they decided it was time to go home. They climbed into the surrey and headed off to home, their special day was about over, but very happy that they had spent time alone with each other. “Jarrod?”

“Yes, Jenny?” He took her tiny hand into his own while hanging onto the reins. He let them walk slowly so they could talk and still enjoy their day.

“Will Janine be all right? She is getting awful big.” Jarrod looked at her and squeezed her hand.

“She will be fine. I worry about her too, as does Heath. She is tough and loves her family deeply. She would not give up too easily I’m afraid.” He glanced at Jenny. “What’s the matter, Jenny?”

“I’m scared for her. She knows the consequences yet she doesn’t let it bother her. Do you think she is afraid?” Jenny was looking at their baby asleep in her arms.

“Are you scared that she is going to lose the baby then blame you for having a perfectly healthy one?” She nodded slowly, tears starting to stem from her eyes. Jarrod stopped the surrey and drew her into his arms. “I wouldn’t worry about that, my lady. Janine is unselfish as they come. Don’t be upset because you had a good confinement. Yes, I think she is afraid but she knew what would happen if she got in the family way, and has accepted the consequences. Good or bad. She wouldn’t blame you in anyway.”

“Why are you so sure of this?” She was lost in the depths of his blue eyes.

“You see how she is with all of the children. She is a loving person, she accepts everything, well almost everything. I’m pretty sure of her reaction to the baby. Watch and see, they both are good people.” He kissed her passionately before picking up the reins to spur the horses on. “I love you Jennifer Barkley.”

She smiled as they trotted towards their home, “I love you too Jarrod Barkley.”

Nick and Chelsea decided to go for a ride on the range and have a picnic wherever their travels lead them. They rode over to check the cattle then off to the hills to see the view of the ranch. That’s where they would have their picnic. They had sandwiches, some fried chicken and potato salad. They put it all in a small basket and tied it to the back of Nick’s saddle.

Chelsea had never seen the ranch in work before and was amazed at how well everyone worked together. “Wow! Nick I never knew! You all work so hard. I will remember this when I ask you to do something for me!”

He grinned and took hold of her feminine hand. “I don’t mind, I enjoy doing things for you Chel. I will tell ya when I’m too tired to do something.” She smiled at him, leaned over and kissed him. He was surprised when she took off at a run towards the hills away from the cattle. He chased after her and couldn’t find her till he spotted her sorrel in the trees with no rider. He stopped Coco and hopped off. He tied both horses to a branch of the oak tree and called out, “Chelsea Barkley, I know yore around here somewhere! Come out, come out wherever you are.” There was no sound. He listened carefully and heard the bushes rustle near him. He turned his head and smiled. He saw the outline of his wife in the bushes to the right of him. He deliberately headed off in another direction and glanced behind him. She hadn’t moved, so he turned into the trees and doubled back, sneaking up behind her. He placed his arms around her making her squeal. “Found ya, my wife! How dare you try to hide on me! Don’t ya know I’ll always find ya?”

She laughed and tried to wiggle out of his powerful arms but gave up the fight when he planted kisses on her neck. She turned in his arms and kissed him passionately. “I love you Nick.” Their picnic forgotten, they kissed each other passionately until their bodies yearned desperately for each other. Hands caressing, lips kissing, passions coming in waves for both of them. They simply gave in to it and shred their clothes. After their passions were satisfied, they dressed and walked hand in hand to their mounts. They kissed beside the horses, not wanting to part from each other. After a while they parted and mounted their horses, each lost in the thoughts of their passion.

They reached their spot and spread out the blanket. They set out their food and ate heartily talking all the while. “Nick I have something I want to tell you.” He lay on his back, and she joined him, putting her head on his shoulder. He put his arm around her and pulled her on top of him. They kissed for a bit.

“What is it Chel?” He asked, running his fingers through her dark hair. He loved the lavender scent that flowed through her hair.

“Babies scare me, Nick” she blurted, not really meaning to. She fought with herself on how she was going to share this bit of information with him.

He sat up then and looked worriedly at her. “Why Chelsea?” He took her hand but she pulled away and sat up.

“I worry about carrying the baby. Watching Janine is scaring me.”

“Honey, what’s happening with Janine does not happen to every woman. She is having problems because of things that happened in her past.” Realizing she didn’t know much about Janine, he filled her in about her ex husband and what little he knew.

Chelsea sobbed when she heard her story. “I’m still scared.” The tall, dark cowboy took her in his arms and held her. He stroked her hair and entwined his fingers into it.

“I know Honey. I am too. But this thing with Janine doesn’t happen very often. But look at her. She is really brave, and has her bad days when things get to her. She loves her family and that is important. We love each other and we can get through any problems together, right?”

She looked at him and nodded, “I guess I am being silly. I just don’t want to go through what she is.”

“I know Chel. But we can’t borrow problems before they happens. If it happens, we will deal with it. And hopefully with as much dignity and pride as Heath and Janine.” This made Chelsea feel better and she told him so. He lifted her head so she could look into her eyes and kissed her parted lips, his tongue searching for hers. They kissed for a while before the passion took hold of them once again. Eventually they made their way home and in time for supper.

Janine sat in her bed, surrounded by her loving family. They came bringing news from town, and bringing her little gifts. They always knew when the door was open she wanted visitors. Lately, though, the door has been closed, only allowing Laura in with the children. Janine was feeling depressed again. She was tired of always sitting in bed, always seeing the same four walls. She pleaded with Heath to take her outside for a short walk in the garden. He took pity on her and told her just for a short walk. He dried her tears, knowing that more would come later when something wouldn’t go right for her.

Outside, she breathed the air as if it was her last breath. Heath smiled as she smelled the roses, then sat on the swing that was out in the garden. He sat beside her and pulled her close. “Janey, soon it will be time for the babies to make their appearance. Boy howdy I’m excited!” He squeezed her shoulders.

“You’re excited? I’m scared Heath. Two more mouths to feed! Five kids! And ya

get to go out every day!” Heath pulled her away gently, patting his lap for her to sit on.

“What’s wrong Janey? It’s too late to change your mind now!” He nuzzled her neck, making her giggle with pleasure.

“I think I have to much time on my hands, Heath. I need something to occupy my time. Don’t get me wrong, I love the children, all of them. I’m just overwhelmed at the responsibility.” She leaned back into him and his arms encircled her. He rubbed her belly, feeling the movement of the babies inside. He smiled as one of them gave a huge kick.

He leaned his face against hers, breathing his next words into her ear, “I know, my pretty, but we have Laura now. She will be a big help. I’m real glad that your parents thought to bring her along.”

“Me too, Honey. I just want these babies out! Still three months to go. Boy howdy Heath! Its been such a long time already! I don’t know how much more coddling I can take.” He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “I love ya Heath, but really, you are the worst of them all!”

“Is that right? Reckon I should stop carin’ for ya?” He kissed her face and turned her around so she was facing him. He planted kisses on her forehead, then kissed her parted lips, his passion getting the best of him.

She pulled away, giggling, “Don’t ya dare! Just ‘cause I said you are too much, doesn’t mean ya have to stop! It’s just my frustration of being cooped up takin’ over. ‘give me?” she said in her best Leah imitation.

“I reckon. But if ya keep cryin’ like that, I’m goin’ to throw ya to the cattle till those babies come out!” She giggled as he kept nuzzling her neck and letting his hands roam.

“I reckon ya better stop doin’ that or I won’t be held responsible for what happens!” She was breathless with his caressing and kissing.

“Yeah? And what’s goin’ to happen?” He teased her as he caressed her stomach lovingly.

“I can’t tell ya. But I know it won’t be good for either of us!” He chuckled and kissed her deeply once again. He reluctantly pulled away, and caressed her face. “Why’d ya stop, Heath?”

“I don’t want to hurt ya, Janey.”

“You’d never hurt me. Ya love me too much for that.” She smiled at him and drew him closer for one final kiss. “But you’re right. We mustn’t get carried away. I guess I need to go back in.” She stood up and took his hand. “thank ya for bringing me outside Heath. It was just what I needed.” She brought his hand up to her lips and kissed it. “I love ya”

“I love ya too Janey. You mean the world to me. I really mean that.” They both smiled at each other and went in. She went upstairs to lay down and have a nap before supper.

Victoria was having her rest before supper as well. All the people in her house overwhelmed her. She put down her book and thought about all the things that have happened to her family. All her children were married now and having families of their own. Once they were all moved out on their own, the house would be lonely. She knew that was the way things worked, but it sure hurt knowing that one day everyone would be gone. She raised a finger and wiped a tear from her eye. She thought about Tom. She didn’t know why she called Heath Tom on his birthday. She was mixing things up a lot lately but shrugged it off as being a little scatterbrained lately. She had been busy entertaining the Greene’s and the children. But it was more than that. She couldn’t put a finger on it but she wouldn’t worry about it. Its just that its been so busy lately, she told herself and closed her eyes. She fell asleep till Silas knocked on the door, telling her it was time for supper.

That night as they lay entwined in each other’s arms, Heath and Janine spoke of many things. “I can’t wait till we get home, Heath.” Heath nodded. “We are goin’ to have our hands full, ya know.”

“I know. But I’m really lookin’ forward to it. I promise to help ya out all I can.”

“I know ya will Heath. Ya already do that and more. I’m so happy I met ya.” They reminisced about their meeting. “Ya know Heath when I first met ya in the saloon that day, you stole my heart.”

He kissed her tenderly as he pondered her words. “Here I thought ya didn’t like me.”

“It wasn’t ya I didn’t like. If I wasn’t married, I’d probably let ya buy me that drink.” She grinned and kissed him. “Maybe once this baby is born and a little older, we can take off and spend some time alone together.”

“Who’s gonna look after five kids?” He traced an outline of her lips and she kissed his finger. He smiled and caressed the rest of her face. He bent down and kissed her tenderly, not letting her answer.

After having kissed her breathless, she had forgotten the answer to the question . There was no need. They slowly shed their clothes and enjoyed each other’s warm bodies lying next to each other. With the lamp on low, Heath pulled off the blankets and gazed at her. He touched her gently and slowly then kissed her lovingly. She ran her hands through his hair and drew him up to kiss him. They lay together for a while, not talking just holding and kissing each other. He moved down and kissed her stomach, speaking in gentle tones to the babies inside. She smiled as he kissed her stomach. It felt good to have him love her like that. He lay with his head on her chest, his hands caressing her stomach. He pulled up the blanket when he felt her shiver. He kissed each breast and sighed. They both wanted more, but knew it wasn’t to be. So they took pleasure in just the simple things, hugging, kissing, caressing, waiting for the day when they could experience their love physically. Janine turned on her side while Heath lay on his back. She kissed him tenderly. She lay her head on his shoulder and fell asleep, with thoughts of love on her mind. Disappointed, Heath knew it was for the best. He turned the lamp off and hugged her close. It was time for sleep.

Janine and Leah were talking between themselves one morning before Leah began her day. She and her father were taking morning rides then she would spend time with her aunts, grandmas, grandpa and Laura doing different things. “Mama?”

“Yes Leah?”

“How come you cwy so much?”

Janine was startled to hear this question from her daughter’s lips. The expression on her angelic face was so much like her fathers. The raised eyebrow was a dead give away, she thought and smiled. “Well Honey. It’s because I’m frustrated. I want to spend time with you, the boys and Papa. I want to be able to take care of you all, the way a mama should.”

“But Papa says the baby need west.”

“Yes Leah. The baby does need rest. I need to rest too. It makes me cry sometimes to because I want to be outside playing with you and not lay around in bed.”

“No worry Mama. When babies come out, we can pway. Maybe we can pway dolls?”

“I’d like that very much Leah. I miss ya when you’re out with everyone.” Leah ran out of the room, gathering her dolls, when Marge walked in with Freddy. “Hi Mama. I see you’re up bright and early.”

“Yes. I just wanted to see my grandchildren. You are doing a great job with them, Daughter.”

“Thank ya Mama.”

“You happy Daughter?” She sat on the bed, bouncing Freddy on her knee.

“Yes Mama. Very. Why do you ask?’

“You seem so upset all the time.”

“Oh Mama. I’m just getting tired of lying around. I want to be a wife to Heath and mother to my children. I want to be in my own house.”

“Now Daughter. I really wish you would quit bellyaching about what you can’t do and look what you can do. You can make time to spend with each of the children. I noticed that you haven’t been spending much time with the boys. You can make time to spend with your husband. You can find other things to occupy your time. Right now, you are acting like a spoiled brat and I won’t have you acting that way. We taught you better than that!”

Janine thought about her mother’s words. She was ashamed of herself. She couldn’t help the way she felt. Her emotions were all over the place and she couldn’t stop them from overflowing. She just wanted to be normal, to have a life outside the bedroom. The tears flowed down her cheeks as she replied to her mother’s words, “Have I really been acting like a spoiled child?” Her mother nodded her silver head. “I didn’t realize. Victoria spoke to me about it and I listened, but obviously not hard enough. I will try to be better. Maybe I should apologize to everyone?”

“I think that might be an idea.” Leah came in with her dolls. “Hi Leah. Coming to keep Mama company?”

“Yeah Gama Mar. We gonna pway dolls.” She put the dolls on the bed and crawled up beside Janine. She gave a doll to Janine and began to play. Marge watched until Freddy started fussing. She rose from the chair just as Laura was coming in with David. Leah looked up from her game with her mother and sighed.

“Awways babies, coming and going. Still pwayin’ with me Mama?”

Janine hugged her daughter, “Of course honey.” They played while Laura held David and watched them play.

“Jes’ like when we was girls, Jan” Laura mused. “Ceptin’ Ise got yore chilluns now instead of Mammy tendin’ to ya.” Janine smiled at her childhood friend.

“Yes Laura, jes like when we was girls.” She copied. Laura smiled and shook her head chuckling to herself, her red bandanna almost falling off her head, and allowing Janine a look at her short curly hair.

Heath came in at that point to tell everyone that breakfast was ready. He looked at the mess of dolls on the bed and the happy look on Leah’s face. “K Papa.” She picked up the dolls, taking them back to her room. Janine slowly maneuvered herself out of bed, taking Heath’s hand and waddled down the stairs to the dining room. She filled her plate with eggs and toast, then sat down at the table. She took a bite, then looked up at everyone around the table.

“I have something to say to everyone before I go back to bed and you all start your day.” Heath looked startled at his wife, searching her face for a clue of what she was about to say. Everyone was at the table, waiting expectantly for her to continue. Marge, knowing what it was Janine was going to say, nodded to her, urging her on. “I…ummm…just wanted to apologize for my behaviour of late. I haven’t been exactly civil to any of you and you haven’t deserved any of it. You have been nothing but supportive to me. I sincerely apologize and will try to act like a woman instead of a spoiled brat.”

All eyes pointed her way. Heath squeezed her hand. She went back to eating, and a male voice was heard booming, “Well Neen! Welcome back to the real world. Maybe now Heath will get some real work done instead of worrying about you? This is a working ranch you know!”

“Janine, I’m glad to see you are feeling better today. Please don’t feel sorry for yourself, we understand if you need to let go of some steam. But pitying yourself is the worst thing. It makes you an ugly woman when you do that.” Janine kept her eyes down to her plate, picking at her breakfast, listening to what everyone had to say. She squeezed Heath’s hand back and smiled at him. He winked then commenced eating breakfast.

July Fourth came and went. They didn’t do anything special, the families went in to the celebrations, taking Leah with them. Heath and Janine decided to spend the day by themselves. They gave Laura the day off from the babies, but she went with the Greenes to the celebrations taking the babies with them. They all had a wonderful day, each member of the family remembering the importance of the day.

Marge was not feeling well, her health failing her but she wouldn’t let on to her family that she was hurting. She got up in the middle of the night and coughed quietly. Charles lay in bed, listening to her, remembering the doctor’s words, “She is very sick. She has consumption. Its not contagious but she should be resting.” When she found out she had it, she told Charles she wanted to see Janine and her family. Charles, with tears in his eyes, held her and stroked her graying her, told her to pack their bags. They were leaving to California that week. He thought of this as he listened to her cough. She lay back in bed, and he held her. “Don’t you think you better tell her, Margie?” He asked as he kissed her hair softly.

“I know I should, Charlie, but I don’t want to upset her. She is having enough time with everything now.”

“We should at least tell Heath. He knows her better then we do, these days.” She had another coughing spasm as she nodded.

“You’re right Charlie, as usual. I want to see those babies born. Our little girl has grown up to be quite the lady, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes she sure has. We should be proud of her. She has proven to endure the toughest of lives, the life she chose for herself. She married a wonderful man, who despite his upbringing and heritage, is good for her. We couldn’t have done any better ourselves. Yes our little girl has grown up quite beautifully.” He looked down at his wife of forty-two years and saw that she had fallen asleep in his arms. He closed his eyes and let the tears fall. It wasn’t going to be easy to tell their daughter but it was something they had to do before it was too late.

Janine heard the frequent coughing coming from the guest room where her parents were staying. She was worried about her mother. The flushed cheeks, her normally steel eyes were bright. She noticed that her mother wasn’t eating very much. The coughing was the worst, she tried telling them it was just a summer cold but Janine knew. Somehow she knew before anybody said anything to her, that it was not good.

Charles had gone out to the barn that morning. He had promised Heath that he would help him with some fencing out in Sky Meadows. It felt good to get out and do some good, honest work for a change. It relieved a lot of the tension he had been feeling with his wife’s illness. He had no idea how to tell his son-in-law about his wife. They worked together in silence, putting in the poles, then stringing the barbed wire. After a couple of hours they took a break, sitting down in the shade of the elm tree near the fence line.

“Heath, I just wanted to tell you how happy we are since you joined our family. You have made our Janine very happy, we can see that.”

He looked up from the ground where he was scraping some dirt off his tan boot. “She’s made me very happy. She’s a kind and loving woman. I couldn’t imagine my life without her,” he told him sincerely.

“I know what you mean, son. I can’t imagine my life without my wife. She has been a steadfast, loving woman to me for forty-two years.” His voice broke as Heath watched his father-in-law with concern and waited for him to speak again. When Charles had regained his composure, he told Heath about Marge’s illness. “How do we tell Janine?”

Heath thought for a few minutes. “I reckon ya should just tell her. She’s going to be upset regardless how ya tell her, so I reckon straight out with the truth is the best way.” Heath quietly observed the grey haired man, who was trying his best not to show how upset he was.

“C-c-can you tell her Heath, for us?”

Heath took his hat off and wiped his brow. He slowly shook his head. “I reckon its best if ya and Marge did it, Charles. I’ll be there to comfort her, but she needs to hear it from ya both.” He returned the hat back to his sweat ridden head and looked at his father-in-law. He put his large, callused hand on the sorrowed man’s shoulder. “I’m sorry Charles. I’ll help ya all I can.” They went back to work, silently, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

That night Charles and Marge agreed they would tell their daughter about the illness. Heath was right, it should come from them. He was a wise man, this son-in-law of theirs. They were thankful he came into their lives and saved their daughter from a life of misery with that other man. They both fell into a fitful sleep, dreading the morning and what they had to tell their only daughter.

Charles and Marge stood in the couple’s bedroom watching and listening as Janine spoke to Leah. Leah was talking about what she was going to do that day with her Uncle Jarrod, Aunt Jenny and little Cat. They were going to take her for a ride to town and take her to lunch. She was excited about it as she liked her Uncle Jarrod. “Why don’t you go see if breakfast is ready, Leah?”

“K mama. Lawa change Fweddy diaper and will bwing him in after.” Leah was proud of herself that she remembered that important message.

“Thank ya Leah for telling me. Now go see if breakfast is ready and tell Papa I’m gonna eat up here, k?”

“K mama. Wove you.”

“Love ya too, Sweetheart.” She ran out of the room with her usual exuberance making everyone in the room chuckle. Heath came around the corner and through the door, seeing her parents standing there. He crossed the room to the bed and sat beside her. Marge pulled the chair up close, and Charles stood beside her.

“Daughter, we have something important to tell you.” started Charles, his voice cracking. Marge put her hand on his and patted it.

“Its okay Charles. Janine, honey. I don’t know how to tell you. I’ve been wanting to tell you since we arrived here. You’ve been so moody that I didn’t want to upset you further.”

Janine got a panicked look on her face, she knew what was coming and didn’t want to hear it. She grasped her husband’s hand and clasped it. “What is it Mama? Papa?” she asked her parents quietly.

“There is no easy way to tell you. So I’ll tell you straight out. I have consumption. There is no cure as you know.” She started coughing badly then causing Janine get out of bed and going to her mother. She put her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly. They sat like that for a while, holding each other while their husbands watched. They pulled apart and Janine wiped the tears from her mother’s brown eyes. “I love you Janine. Always remember this, I’m very proud of you and your family. You are a good woman. When I’m gone….”

“Shhh. Mama. Let’s not talk about the end. Let’s just enjoy what time we have left, k?” Marge nodded. “Now, go downstairs and eat breakfast, I already decided to eat up here. I don’t feel like going down those stairs today.” She grinned at her parents. “Go eat, Mama, Papa. Please. Thank ya for tellin’ me.” Her parents looked at her, confused, not sure if they should leave her.

Heath nodded to them and walked them to the door. “It’ll be all right. I’ll stay with her for a while. Come back this afternoon and talk to her. I’m sure she’ll wanna talk to ya then.” They were glassy-eyed as they turned and walked downstairs to the dining room. Heath turned to find his wife in silent tears on the bed. He sat on the bed, and wrapped his strong arms around her. She laid her head on his shoulder as he caressed her back, reassuringly, as sobs racked her body. He knew how she felt, he lost his mother to sickness as well.

Silas knocked on the door and put their breakfast on the table in front of the window. He glanced at the couple as he left the room, and felt unhappy as he heard the sorrowful weeping of Janine.

A few hours later, Heath left Janine as she fell asleep. He brushed the curly locks out of her face and kissed her cheek. She smiled in her sleep while he covered her up with the heavy afghan. He knocked on the guest room door and a haggard looking Charles opened the door. He put his gnarly finger up to his lips and shushed him. He closed the door and went downstairs to talk to Heath. “She’s sleeping. She was up half the night, coughing. It’s getting worse, son. We will soon have to get the doctor, I think.”

Victoria heard this exchange, but didn’t pry. Heath would tell her when he was ready. She stood at the door for a long time, wondering why she was standing there. She shook her head and went to the kitchen. She took some dishes out of the cupboard and placed them in the icebox. She closed the door and went upstairs. She decided it was time for a nap.

A while later, Silas came to the study, seeing the three men there, looking over maps of the ranch. The black manservant started dusting the books and listening to the men talk about the property lines. Silas kept dusting the same book, seemingly lost in thought. “Silas? Somethin’ botherin’ ya?”

The three brothers watched as Silas turned towards them, looking perplexed and muttering, “Whoever heard of putting plates in the icebox?” The three men looked at each other confused.

“What did you say Silas?” Jarrod asked him.

“Yo Mother. She put plates in the icebox.”

“She did what?” they were in unison as they said the words.

“That’s not all. I found her favorite pearl stick pin in the bread. She has been wandering outside, looking very lost. What’s goin’ on Mr Jarrod?”

“I don’t know, Silas. She has been having trouble with a lot of things lately. Seems very distracted.”

Heath interjected, “She keeps callin’ me Tom. I asked her about it and she said she had been thinkin’ lots about your…our father.”

Nick nodded, “She seems moody towards the children as well. It’s just not like her. what do you suppose is wrong?”

“I’m goin’ to town tomorrow, maybe I stop in at Dr. Merar’s and ask him to look in on Mother?” The other two brothers nodded in agreement at Heath. “I have to go see him about Janey’s mother. She is not well.” The brothers listened intently as he explained about her condition.

“How is Neen takin’ it?” asked Nick.

“She’s upset of course, but she won’t let her parents see her. I’m worried about her but she tells me I’m being over protective.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Jarrod put his hand on Heath’s shoulder and squeezed.

Heath smiled faintly as he looked at both his caring, older brothers. “No, there isn’t. We just have to wait it out. I hate the waitin’! Waitin’ for the babies. Waitin’ for doctors. Wait, wait, wait!” Nick and Jarrod glanced at each other then over to their normally calm, cool, and collected brother. He was obviously feeling overwhelmed. Leah came bounding in at that moment, causing Heath to pull from his reverie. He picked up his daughter and hugged her tightly. Howdy Lil One! Are ya ready for a ride?”

“A wide? But I all weady went for a wide with Unca Jawwod.” Jarrod smiled at his niece.

“There’s no law that says ya can’t take two rides in one day, is there?” He nuzzled her neck making her giggle.

“No I reckin not Papa.” She squealed with laughter as Heath put her on his shoulders and swung her around. Nick and Jarrod watched as Heath took his vivacious daughter out of the room.

“Silas, don’t worry about Mother. We’ll take care of it.” Silas looked confused but nodded as he exited the room muttering to himself.

Audra was sitting upstairs with Janine, playing cards with her and gossiping. Laura brought the babies in for Janine to take care of while she cleaned the children’s rooms. Jenny and Chelsea came in bringing everyone tea and snacks. They all gossiped about the dance coming up and if everyone was going.

“oh yeah I’m goin’!” exclaimed Janine giggling. “Can ya just see me waddlin’ my big body out on the dance floor?” The sisters all laughed politely at the thought. “Next year. I plan to go dancin’ as soon as these babies come out!”

“Me too, Janey. I’m gettin’ so uncomfortable. I can’t sleep, I’m eatin’ all the time. This baby keeps kickin’ me every time I turn around.” Audra looked uncomfortable.

Janine patted her hand and smiled. “At least you’re only carryin’ one Audra. Times that by two and you got me.” Chelsea took the conversation in and rubbed her stomach. Her turn was coming and she hadn’t told anyone yet.

The conversation turned to parents and they talked quietly about their own parents. Jenny’s parents passed away a few years ago in a house fire. She missed her parents greatly and there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t think about them. Janine told them all about her mother’s illness. They all comforted her and told her if she needed anything to let them know. Chelsea spent one day, once a week visiting her parents, with Nick. As much as she enjoyed visiting her parents, she was always glad to come home and be with the Barkley Family. Audra didn’t know what to say about her mother. The others looked at her expectantly and slowly she spoke her concerns.

“I am not living here anymore, but I have noticed something about Mother,” she started. They listened as she explained about the different things she saw her mother doing. They all nodded in agreement. Something was not right with her, they didn’t know what, but they would help her out where they could. That was something they all agreed upon. The conversation turned to other topics, husbands, children, life in general and reminiscing.

They were all laughing about some antic that Janine and Audra were involved in when the door opened. There stood Heath and Leah, Jarrod, Nick and Fred. They stood in the doorway, watching the women with their various projects in the making and how well they were getting along. “Well Chelsea! Don’t ya think its time to get ready to go to your parents?”

Chelsea looked up from her knitting, startled. She was enjoying the conversation so much, she had forgotten about the visit with her parents. “Oh Nick, I forgot. I’m sorry. I’ll get ready as soon as I clean my mess up.” Nick chuckled at his wife’s flustered state. The other ladies gathered their things, telling Janine that they would be back soon to visit. They each in turn kissed her cheek, with promises of a visit soon. Janine watched them leave as Laura was bringing the boys in to visit before supper.

The boys were all over Heath as he cleaned up for supper. Heath gave Davey his Stetson to play while Freddy was into the armoire playing with all the shoes there. Janine watched with a smile pasted on her lips. She loved to watch her husband clean up after a day on the range. She sat up and grunted her way out of bed. She made her way over to Heath and took the cloth from him. She helped him wash, then stepped in front of him, kissing his lips. He put his arms around her and kissed her back. She stood there in his arms revelling in the strength of his love. She felt a tug on her leg and she looked down to see Freddy wanting to be picked up. Heath reluctantly let her go and picked up the baby. He handed him to Janine while he picked up David.

Leah came in to see her parents and visit a little before supper as well. They talked about their day and enjoyed the family that was theirs. Silas came by and announced that supper would be ready shortly. Laura took the boys downstairs and put them in their high chairs. Everyone filed into their seats and she sat in the kitchen with Silas eating her supper. They had told her that she was part of the family and to sit with them at the supper table. She refused, saying, “Ise hired help. Hired help don’t sit at the table with the boss.” No amount of pleading would change her mind. They ate their supper in relative silence.

That night as they lay in bed, they conversed about what was happening in the household. There was confusion about Victoria, she was acting stranger and stranger every day. Marge was sick and was getting sicker. Janine was getting large with child but she was in good spirits now except for the occasional blurt about being fat. This part Heath could handle. He actually enjoyed the quiet. They held each other as the night time air wafted over them. Eventually sleep over took them and they slept till the rooster crowed in the morning.

Heath went to town to get supplies and check with the doctor. He told the family doctor about all the happenings going on at the massive ranch house. Doctor Merar gaped at the cowboy thoughtfully before he answered. “Yes Heath, I will be out later today. It sounds like you have a lot going on.” Heath shook the physicians hand and headed out the door. He felt a lot better, knowing the doctor would be there to look at Victoria himself.

Heath came back home with trepidation as he really didn’t know what he was going to find. It was just one of those days. He rode up to the barn and started unloading the wagon of feed and other supplies they needed in order to keep the ranch going. He was deep in thought and didn’t hear anyone come behind him.

“Did you get to see the doctor?” asked Nick in his exuberant way startling Heath out of his thoughts. The dark haired cowboy helped his younger sibling by lifting out the fencing that he had purchased.

“Yeah. He’ll be out later today. He said he would look in on Mother then.” Nick nodded as he lifted the poles. The brothers both worked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Nick remembered when he was a boy and his mother strong and true. He remembered that she was the one that wiped away his boyish tears when his beloved pony died. She was the one that held him when he was sick. She was the strong one in the family when their father was killed, she held the family together. Her love for her husband and children knew no bounds. He thought about Heath and the day he arrived, claiming his heritage and a name. Nick fought him tooth and nail, denying his existence though he knew just by looking at him, he was a Barkley. Victoria stood back and let Nick work through his emotions in his own way. Yes, he thought, Mother is a good person. A force to be reckoned with. Hopefully Howard will be able to tell us what is wrong with Mother.

Heath had similar thoughts on the way home. He looked around the barn and saw that Audra’s carriage was parked just outside. That was good, he thought. After they finished unloading the wagon, they headed up towards the house to wait for the doctor and to see their wives.

No sooner had they got in the house, poured themselves a drink, the doctor arrived. He went upstairs to check on Marge who was resting. Janine was sitting with her, holding her hand, knowing that soon her mother would not be around. She raised a hand to wipe the tears from her eyes and heard a voice behind her.

“Janine I need to see to your mother. Would you wait outside for a few minutes, please?” Janine reluctantly let go of her hand, kissed her cheek and told her she would be right back. She saw Heath standing there and she fell into his arms. He guided her back to their room so she could rest. When she was tucked in bed, he lay beside her, stroking her tear stained cheek. She refused to give in to her pain.

“It’ll be okay Janey.” Heath tried to reassure his wife.

“No it won’t Heath! She’s sick, and I need to be with her. Why does she have to be so sick?” she put her hands up to her face and sobbed quietly. Heath did what he could to comfort her, holding her, stroking her hair and rocking her. Howard Merar came in, looked at the couple and cleared his throat.

“Excuse me Heath, Janine. I want to check you over Janine. All this stress can’t be doing you any good.” He took out his stethoscope, putting the bell end on her stomach. He smiled as he heard the heartbeats. “Good Janine. How you feeling?”

“Physically I feel fine. I’m just tired of carrying these babies. I hope they are ready to be born soon!” She smiled sadly at the kindly doctor. “What about Mama? How is she?”

“Well Janine. I’ll be honest with you. I don’t think she has consumption. Whoever made that diagnosis should be not be doctoring.” Janine stared at him.

“What do you mean she doesn’t have consumption? What does she have?”

“I think she has Lung Fever. I want her to get a second opinion though. I’m going to wire a doctor in San Francisco and get him out here to make a diagnosis.”

Janine nodded, “Does Papa know?” He nodded his head. “Okay. I feel better now. I will talk to Papa a little later and make sure he is okay. Thanks Doctor for your diagnosis.”

The doctor put his watch and stethoscope away in his black leather doctor’s bag. “I’ll be back in a couple of days to check on you. Those babies may want out sooner then we anticipate. Meanwhile, just rest and try not to overdo it, all right?” Dr. Merar patted her hand and rose off the bed. “Now I would like to visit with Victoria.”

“She’s downstairs with Audra.”

“Thank you. Now you take it easy you hear, Janine?”

“Yes Doctor.” She answered back, her voice breaking. Heath walked the graying man to the door. Howard took one last look at his patient and headed down the stairs to see Victoria. If his assumptions were correct on what Heath told him earlier, it would not easy to break the news to the Barkleys.

Heath laid beside his wife till she fell asleep. He got up quietly and checked on their children. Laura had the boys napping and was reading a book to Leah. He nodded to them and backed out the door, going downstairs. He wanted to see what the doctor would say about Victoria.

When he arrived downstairs, he found the two good friends talking and laughing at some old memories. She saw Heath standing there, and held out her hand for him to sit next to her on the arm of the chair, “Tom, come join us! We’re having the most lovely time.” It unnerved Heath to be called his father’s name, but he did as he was asked. He sat on the arm of the chair and listened to the conversation. After an hour, Howard motioned that he had to leave. He had other patients to tend to on his travels.

“Victoria, its been a most enjoyable afternoon. I will come visit you in a couple of days, I need to check on Janine. Those babies will making an appearance soon.” Victoria was perplexed but nodded. “Heath can you walk me out to my carriage? I want to talk to you about Janine.” Heath nodded and followed him out. Victoria sat in the chair, drinking her empty cup of coffee. When they arrived to the carriage that was parked outside the house, Doctor Merar placed his bag into it and turned to face Heath. Joining Heath was Nick, Jarrod and Audra. They all stared at him expectantly, wanting an answer to their questions. “I’m sorry to have to be the bearer of such news.” He looked at all the Barkleys with tears in his eyes. “I’m afraid your mother is suffering from senility.” They stood stalk still on the porch, Audra turned to Jarrod and threw herself into his arms, sobbing.

“What can we do for her, Howard?” asked Jarrod, the ever practical one, but was close to tears himself.

“There are many treatments, Jarrod. But I think the best treatment is right here at home. Just being with her family would be the best. I have some lithium salts at the office that will help calm her down.” Jarrod nodded as he listened to his words. “Don’t worry, all of you, she will be with you for a long time, but you are going to see a lot of changes in her, you’ve already seen some. If you have questions, any questions, please don’t hesitate to come see me.” They all nodded and watched as the good doctor climb into his carriage. “I will be back in a couple of days, Heath, to check on your wife and mother in law. I will bring some medicine for Victoria as well. Again I am sorry to bring such news to you.” He tipped his hat to the bereaved family and flicked the reins off to see his next patient. What the family didn’t notice, was that man’s eyes were filled with tears as he left the Barkley estate.

Nick took the news badly. He raved, he ranted and then he took off on Coco. He disappeared for a few hours till Chelsea saddled up her sorrel and found him up on the mountain over looking the ranch. She put her arms around him and held him as he sobbed for the unfairness of life. His mother was a good, strong woman. She pioneered this part of the country with his father, he told his wife through his tears. Chelsea wiped his eyes with her finger and kissed his cheek. “Life always deals us bad cards. But we need to be strong and learn how to deal with it. We have the family to keep and protect us. You are a strong man Nicholas Barkley. I will help you all I can. I love you.”

He looked up at his wife and kissed her lips. “Thank ya Chel. I just never thought of my mother as being weak. She was always there for us, loving and guiding us. Just the thought of her being gone is hard to deal with.”

“I know Honey.” She lifted his face to look at her. “Let’s not borrow trouble Nick. We will take one day at a time with her and enjoy what is.” She kissed his tear stained face. “Besides we are going to have another mouth to feed before long.” She told him quietly.

“What? We’re gonna have a baby?” He sprung to his feet, pulling Chelsea up with him. “Oh Chelsea! A baby?” Nick grinned from ear to ear then picked up his wife and spun her around, kissing her. “I can’t believe it! I’m gonna be a father! I love you Chelsea!” She laughed as she was thrown in to a bear hug.

“Nick! I can’t breathe!”

“Oh sorry Chel. I’m so happy” He hugged her again, “Guess we’d better be gettin’ home.” He helped her on to her mount then he alit on to his horse. Off they went back to the house, full of despair but happiness because of the news they wanted to share with the family.

Jarrod held Audra as she shook with tears. “Audra, we can’t let Mother see us this way. We have to be strong and help her.”

“Yes Jarrod, you’re right. Its just so hard to fathom that she we’ll be slowly going away from us.” She wiped her face, and looked at Heath. He didn’t say anything. Just stared out towards the paddock. He shook his head and went in. He had so much to deal with and it was starting to weigh him down.

Fred came to pick up Audra and found her in her old room. Victoria was napping, Janine was sitting with her mother. Audra went to his arms and wept. He stroked her blonde hair and talked to her soothingly. Through her tears she told him about Victoria. He held her and told her that they would get through this together. Audra looked up at her husband and smiled through her tears. He was right, they would get through it with the family’s love.

Jarrod was shocked at the news but he kept his emotions under control. He went up to their room and closed the door. He looked at Jenny and held out his arms. He needed her love at this moment. There was nothing better then being in his wife’s loving arms. He sobbed as he told her what was wrong with Victoria. Jenny held the large man, and whispered soothing words. When Cat started to cry a while later, Jarrod gently picked up his daughter, knowing that she would never know her grandmother for the kind, loving person she was. He sat on the bed, staring at the wonder that was his daughter. Jenny leaned on him while he draped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her close. She kissed his cheek, telling him, “It will be all right. All of you will stick together and help Victoria through her sickness. You’ve done it before when your father died, you can do it again. Your mother needs you to be strong Jarrod.”

“I know Jen. But this is Mother. Our reason for living. The one person I can always count on for any advice. The one that has supported us all in our endeavours. She has always been there. Always Jenny!”

“Shhhhh. I know. I know. I’m here now and while I can’t promise you it will be an easy road, you have your mother’s love. You will never lose that. Never, Jarrod.” Jarrod sighed heavily and leaned back. Jenny took Cat and changed her diaper. Jarrod composed himself, washed his face, then followed Jenny to the kitchen. Cat was hungry and he wanted to feed her.

He was lost in his thoughts as he fed her the bottle that Jenny had prepared. Jenny was able to hold the bottle herself and was starting to move around now. He was remembering when he was a boy and would greet him at the door with a “hello, how was your day.” He would follow her into the kitchen and eat the plate of cookies that she had baked that day. He would tell her everything that happened at school that day. He remembered the day he left for college for the first time. She held him tightly, told him to take care and touched his cheek. He remembered the day his world changed, his father dying. From there, it was just him and his mother. He shook his head out of the clouds and decided he was going to pull everyone through this. Just like when Father died.

Heath sat in their room by himself, trying to pull himself together. He needed to be strong for Janine. He wanted to give way to his tears but he couldn’t. Janine was staying with her parents, talking and reminiscing. He was so proud of Janine, of the way she was handling her mother’s illness. She would not show her that she was sad, she cared for her as if she was the child. Janine came in after a while to find Heath laying on the bed, with his hands clasped behind his back. “How’s your mother, Janey?” He asked as she sat beside him on the bed.

“Mama is fine. How is Victoria? Did Dr. Merar talk to her?” Heath nodded and turned to look at her, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. She held him, just as he held her when she found out about her mother. She didn’t say anything, she didn’t have to, it all had been said earlier.

The next few days passed in a blur. Janine spent her days visiting her mother. Charles spent days working with Heath and Nick out on the range, revelling at the land and enjoying the friendship that his son-in-law and his brother offered him. Work was a source of relief for Heath. He worked hard, and quickly, getting a lot accomplished in one day.

When they got back to the house, the girls were all gathered in Janine’s room, talking. As usual they were laughing and gossiping while crocheting and knitting. Janine looked up to see Heath watching her, she smiled and put down her knitting. Leah was among the ladies, while Laura had the boys napping. “Papa!” Leah called to her father, the other ladies looked up to see Nick watching his wife and smiling. Jarrod was burying himself in his work at the office but Jenny picked up her things, said good bye to Janine and left the room. Audra and Chelsea also said good bye and promised to visit again soon.

Heath kissed Janine and asked how she was feeling. “I’m fine Heath. Just getting tired of lying here, but I’m not complaining. I really enjoy when everyone comes to visit.” Heath smiled and went to wash up while Janine observed his routine. She loved this part of the day. He knew that she liked to watch him, so he deliberately took his time. She went to get up off the bed, pushing herself up with her hand. She swung her legs over the edge and grunted to get up. Heath smiled at her through the reflection of the mirror. Noticing for the first time that she was very large, not that it mattered, she was beautiful and those were his babies she was carrying.

“Need some help, my pretty?” He said still washing up.

“Now he asks!” she complained, good-naturedly, “After I get myself up and about. Gee whiz! What a guy!” She slapped him lightly on the shoulder. He chuckled and drew her into his arms. “I’m hungry. Is supper ready yet?” He kissed her gently.

“Pretty soon. Let me finish washing up and we’ll get the kids and go downstairs, okay?” She reluctantly left his arms and let him finish washing up. “By the way, I saw Howard today. He said to tell you that he would by tomorrow with that doctor from San Francisco. A Dr. Krauss. Apparently he is a doctor that studies Lung Fever.”

“Oh good. I’m curious as to what he has to say. I’m appalled at that doctor back east. How dare he make such an assumption.” She was angry at the emotional upheaval she had been put through as well as her parents.

“I know how ya feel Janey. It was wrong for the doctor to give your parents wrong information. It’s taking all I got, not to hop on the next train and have a talk to that doctor.” Janine smiled, he was always so protective of everybody he loved. Finally he was ready to go downstairs. He took her hand and headed her out the door toward the babies’ room.

The supper was delicious and Janine decided to join the others in the pool room for after dinner drinks. Of course she didn’t indulge, but she brought out her knitting and gossiped with the family. She stayed for about an hour then went upstairs to visit with her mother before bed.

Marge was lying in bed when Janine knocked. She hadn’t been eating much, but was looking a little better. She had managed some broth, but still coughed a lot and her pallor still pale. “Evenin’ Mama. How you feelin’?” Marge turned her head and watched her daughter ease herself into the overstuffed chair next to the bed.

“Fine Daughter. May I ask how you’re feeling?” Another coughing spasm shook her body. Janine looked worried but it was soon over. “I’m okay. My chest gets so sore from coughing so much.”

“I’m feelin’ fine Mama. My back is starting to hurt from carrying all this weight I reckon.” Marge watched her daughter has she shifted uncomfortably in the chair. “Though my back is now hurting more then it was. Do ya reckon maybe it’s time?”

“Maybe. Go to bed, daughter. I’ll be okay.” Janine reached over and squeezed her mother’s hand. “I love you Janine.”

“I love ya too Mama. You rest and I’ll see ya soon. Oh, I wanted to tell ya. Heath informed me that he spoke to Dr. Merar and that doctor from Frisco will be here tomorrow. They will be stopping out to check on you.” Her mother nodded as she watched her daughter leave the room. The strain of the babies’ weight pulling heavily on her stomach muscles causing her to groan involuntarily. Marge wanted to go to her, but she was physically unable to. She needed her rest and knew that the others would be there to help her. She cried into her pillow, then made a decision, she would be there to hold her daughter’s hand. It was the least she could do.

She crawled into bed, lying there thinking about the babies. It was a little early for the babies yet. But could it be that they were ready to be born? She got up and checked on her children. She checked on Leah first, who was snuggled deep into her blankets with a smile pasted upon her face. Janine planted a kiss on the sleeping girl’s face and tucked her in. She just couldn’t imagine life without her little girl. She smiled and closed the door as she exited the room.

Next she checked on the boys. David had thrown the blankets off and was sucking his thumb. She covered him up and pulled out the thumb. She placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. She looked on Freddy, and he was covered up, breathing silently, indicating he was sleeping peacefully. She watched him sleep, thinking that he was special, even though his real parents had real problems. She thought about what his life would have been like if both parents would have lived. He would have had a miserable life, she decided. Not knowing from one minute to the other what mood his mother would be in. Not knowing his father. She shook her head. No! He will be happy and if he asks, I will tell him about his parents. She left the room, happy that she had such a great family, no matter how they came to be part of it. She kissed his soft cheek and caressed his hair. She left the room silently, leaving the door ajar.

She lay back on her bed, pillows behind her head when she felt a wetness on the bed. “Oh no!” she thought worriedly. She maneuvered herself to a sitting position. She didn’t know what to do. Just then Heath wandered into the room, looking worn out from working so hard. She gasped at the sudden intensity of the pain in her abdomen. Heath observed his wife then went out of the room to get Victoria.

He came back a few minutes later with Victoria, Chelsea and Jenny. “Victoria! I’m all wet!” she told her. Victoria seemed her normal self as she set to work.

“Janine, I think the babies are ready to be born and soon. Heath can you send for Howard?” Victoria was gruff in her orders to Jenny, to get some boiling water for the things she needed. Janine groaned at the pain as it was getting stronger and stronger. “Breathe, Janine. Take short quick breaths when the pain comes, all right?” Janine nodded as Heath left the room to send for the doctor.

Heath knocked on the door of his parents-in-law’s room. He heard Charles call come in and he entered. “I just wanted to let ya know. Janine is having the babies now.” Then he abruptly turned and left the room seeking for someone to get the doctor. He felt a tap on his shoulder, there was Charles, saying he would go and would he escort Marge to their room so she could at least sit with her daughter. Heath nodded and bounded up the stairs two at a time. He took Marge to their room and kissed Janine quickly. He wanted to stay but the room was already crowded with all the women in the room and he felt he would be in the way. He went slowly down the stairs only to find his brothers waiting for him.

“Come Heath. Its gonna be a while before those babies make an appearance. Let’s go play some pool” They all adjourned to the pool room where Nick racked up the balls and Heath broke. He was not concentrating at all but he tried his best. He missed shot after shot and his brothers just played along, knowing his brother was extremely anxious for his new children. Jarrod and Nick smiled at each other. Twins, now that is exciting! Jarrod thought as he lined up his next shot. After the game was over, Heath hung up his pool cue and headed towards the stairs.

Nick stopped him. “where ya goin’ brother?”

“I wanna go see Janey.”

“Now ya know better then that. Those women are going to shoo ya out of their quicker then anything.” Heath sighed, knowing he was right. He hated the waiting and the hour was getting later and later. He heard screams every now and again, making him shudder. He hated to hear his wife in pain, knowing that there was nothing he could do about it. It was nature and he had to be patient.

The door opened and in walked Charles and Dr. Merar. Dr. Merar nodded to the nervous father and his brothers and bounded up the stairs, seeking out the room where Janine was. It had been about six hours since she discovered that the babies were to be born soon. It was getting close and Janine was in constant pain with what she now knew were contractions. The doctor took over from Victoria, telling her to rest. She had beads of perspiration running down her forehead.

“Okay Janine, its almost time. Are you ready to push?” She nodded and groaned. “When I tell you, you push all right?” She nodded again and when Dr. Merar told her to push, she complied. Before long there was a wail and a baby was born. He handed the baby to Jenny to clean up while he went back to Janine. After another ten minutes the second one was born. Janine heard the wail of both babies and smiled. “Congratulations Janine. Here are your babies.” He handed the last one to Janine while Jenny held the other. She had a big smile on her face.

“Can someone get Heath? He must be frantic down there, not knowing what’s goin’ on.” Chelsea nodded and left the room, searching for her brother-in-law. She found him, downstairs, trying to concentrate on a game of cards with his brothers and Charles.

“Heath?” He looked up, expectantly at Chelsea, blue eyes searching brown. “Janine would like to see you.” He jumped up, cards flying everywhere and bounded up the stairs. His actions caused the others to laugh.

“Guess he’s excited.” Commented Charles with a big grin. The others nodded in agreement. Chelsea went into Nick’s arms, she was shaking in excitement.

“That was truly amazing, Nick. I can’t wait till ours is born.” She whispered into his ear while hugging him tightly. “I’m not so frightened anymore.” Nick embraced her and smiled. He couldn’t wait to see the newest additions to the family.

Heath threw open the door and there was his wife, holding a baby. “Hi Heath. How are you?” She asked him like nothing out of the ordinary had happened. He looked about the room and there was the other baby, being held by Jenny. He sat on the bed, and she said, “Meet your son, Heath. Isn’t he gorgeous?” He nodded and kissed her on the cheek. “Jenny has your daughter.” He held out his arms while Jenny handed him the daughter. “Beautiful, my pretty, simply beautiful!” He was in awe of their perfect twins.

“They are healthy, Heath and Janine. There should be no complications at all with either of them. They are of good weight and size for twins so I don’t anticipate any problems.” The parents nodded, and their eyes drifted back their babies. They felt very blessed. The others quietly cleaned up the mess as Heath and Janine admired the newest additions. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Mrs. Greene, I think you should go to bed now. Dr. Krauss will be here in just a few hours.”

She nodded, and stood up. “Janine” she coughed away from the babies. “I am proud of you Daughter. When you get them named, let me know, okay? I must go and rest now. I am really tired.”

The couple nodded and Janine grasped her hand, “Thank you Mama. I’m happy you were here. You rest and I’ll see you later.”

Marge patted her hand then leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “You done good, Janine. I’m very proud of you.” This last part brought tears to Janine’s eyes as she watched her mother warily leave the room. She hated seeing her mother in this condition. She leaned her head against Heath.

“What are we going to name the babies, Heath. We can’t call them Baby one and Baby two, you know!” She looked up at her husband. “How does Nicholas Jarrod Charles and Rachel Marjorie sound to you?”

“You’ve given this a great deal of thought, haven’t ya?” He asked wiping a lock of hair from her face. She smiled but didn’t say anything. “Yep. That sounds mighty fine. I’m so proud of ya Janine.”

“How bout you go show them off to the rest of the family. Boy howdy, I’m exhausted.” She handed Little Nicky to Heath as he kissed her. “I love ya, Heath. We done good.”

“I love ya too, my pretty. We sure did, Janey. We sure did.” With that he took the babies downstairs and introduced them to the rest of the family. Audra had arrived with Fred and was amazed she had missed the birth.

“What beautiful babies, Heath.” They both started to wake up, crying just a little. Audra took little Rachel and held her up to her cheek. “I can’t wait till my baby is born. They are so tiny. You had better take them back to Janine. Give her my love and tell her I’ll see her in a day or two, will ya?”

She hugged Heath as he headed up the stairs. When he got back to the room, Janine had fallen asleep, exhausted from the day’s events. She woke up when he gently sat on the bed, little Nicky crying. She took him from her husband and fed him. He ate hungrily while Rachel slept in her father’s arms. “Five children, Heath! Just what have we gotten ourselves into?”

He smiled as he watched her feed Little Nicky. “I’m so glad we have Laura. She’ll be a big help once we get home.” Little Nicky fell asleep then Rachel woke up wanting to be fed. “I see this is going to be a lot of work, Janey.” She smiled at him as she fed Rachel. He laid Little Nicky in one of the cribs by the bed. He took Rachel and kissed her forehead, laying her down in the other crib. He took off his boots and crawled into bed. Janine crawled into his arms and they held each other. They kissed each other, then fell into an exhausted sleep, until a loud knock sounded on the door.

Heath rose from the bed, just got the door opened, when Leah came running in, stopping as soon she saw the babies. “Mama? Are those ares?” she asked quietly.

“Yes Leah. Meet your brother, Nicholas Jarrod Charles and your sister, Rachel Marjorie.” Janine smiled as she watched Leah peer into the cradle and place a kiss on each baby’s cheek.

“They cute, Mama. Those were in your bewwy?”

“Yes Leah.”

“The ones that made you cwy?”

“Yes Leah” Janine sighed as Leah asked question after question.

Janine yawned just as Leah asked if she could hold Rachel. “They are too small yet, Leah, “ interjected Heath who saw that Janine was about ready to fall asleep. “Let’s go get some breakfast and bring some back for Mama. She needs her rest for a little while longer.”

“Okay Papa. Wove you Mama” She placed her tiny hand into her father’s larger masculine hand. Hand in hand the pair left the room to get some food into their bellies and see the rest of the family.

The doctor from San Francisco arrived on the train and Dr. Merar brought him to the ranch house. Dr. Krauss was a middle aged man, tall and gangly. He wore a black derby which covered a crop sandy coloured hair and a black doctoring suit. Jarrod let them in and directed them upstairs to the guest room where the Greenes were staying. Dr. Krauss examined Marge with great care. He used his stethoscope, checking her breathing, checked her pulse, temperature, then asked questions.

“Mrs. Greene, have you had a cold for a long time?”

“yes” She had a coughing spasm which Dr. Krauss took note of.

“Do you get frequent chest pains like you’re being stabbed?”

“Yes sometimes.”

“How often?”

“lately a lot more then before. Maybe once a day a day. It stays for a while then disappears.”

“Do you get a lot of headaches?” She nodded.

“I feel so weak all the time, I want to be with my daughter and her new babies, but every time I try to get up, I almost faint.”

“Thank you Mrs. Greene. You rest now.”

“Doctor, what’s wrong with me? Am I going to die?”

“No. You’re not going to die. But when I listened to your chest, I heard a rattle, indicating you have lung fever. You had a bad cold and it settled in your chest, all the other symptoms you have described to me lead me to believe you have trouble on your chest. It will go away but it will come back with the same stabbing pain.” Dr. Merar listened carefully to all that the other doctor was telling his patient.

“What can she do to ease the pain doctor?” Charles asked, taking his wife’s hand.

“When the pain hits her, she should lay on the side that is sore on a firm surface. This will help ease the pain some. You can give her mustard plasters or flax seed poultices upon her chest as well. You just have to wait it out. Dr. Merar can give you laudanum if you think its real severe.”

“So there is nothing else we can do?” Charles look dejected, but glad it wasn’t consumption. That was hard to deal with, and this was difficult but she would be around for a while longer to enjoy life with him.

“No there isn’t. Just make her comfortable when the attacks happen. I’ll leave you some medicine for the lung fever, and in about ten days, she should be up.” He smiled at her, “Good luck Mrs. Greene. When you feel better, come see me in my office in San Francisco.”

Charles rose from his chair and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you Dr. Krauss. When we get back to New York that doctor is really going to hear from me. Imagine scaring us like that!”

“Unfortunately its doctors like them, that give us a bad name.” Dr. Merar thanked the doctor as well. Charles told his wife that he would be right back and walked the two doctors downstairs.

“Thank you doctors for looking at my wife. I respect your opinions and we will come to San Francisco in a month or so.” The doctors looked at the rest of the family and nodded towards them as they left out the door. Charles closed the door behind him and went upstairs. He was going to check on his wife and then talk to Janine. She needed to hear what the doctor had to say and he hadn’t seen his newest grandchildren yet.

Janine was eating her breakfast while Heath looked at his newest children. He picked up Little Nicky, and held him snugly. “Janey, we make beautiful babies” he commented as he put Little Nicky down and picked up Rachel.

She smiled and put her fork down. Heath brought Rachel over to Janine, handing her over. Janine smiled as they admired both the twins. They had very dark crown of hair, though it was a little early to tell who they looked like, Janine thought they looked like both of them. There was a knock on the door, and in walked Laura with the boys. She put the boys down on the floor and admired the newest members of her charges.

“Janine, theys simply beautiful. Jest beautiful.” Cooed the black nanny. She took Rachel from Janine and held her in her arms. The little baby was almost hidden in her large black arms. Janine smiled as Laura started singing, “Rock a bye baby on the tree top, when the wind blows the cradle will rock. But when the bough breaks, down will come baby cradle and all” Heath and Janine smiled as the boys clambered around getting into stuff. Heath got up off the bed and hugged David. Then he gathered up Freddy and held them both, bringing back to the bed, so that Janine could play with them a little.

Janine laughed at their antics, trying to get off the bed but Heath always caught them just before the crawled off. They giggled at this game and kept it up for a while. Laura handed the baby back to Janine so she could feed him and took Little Nicky from her. She held the baby, rocking him to and fro while singing some tunes that Janine remembered from her childhood.

Kum ba yah, my Lord
Kum ba yah
Kum ba yah, my Lord
Kum ba yah
Kum ba yah, my Lord
Kum ba yah
O Lord, kum ba yah

Someone’s crying, Lord
Kum ba yah

Someone’s singing, Lord
Kum ba yah

Someone’s praying, Lord
Kum ba yah

The soft tones of the nanny’s voice were soothing to parents and children. Heath and Janine smiled to one another, nodding. Heath was taken back to his childhood when Hannah would sing the same songs to him. I have to remember to thank Marge and Charles, mused Heath. Leah also sat on the bed beside her mother, listening to Laura sing.

“That’s bootaful, Lawa. Pwease more?” Laura gave Little Nicky to Heath and took both the boys’ hands.

“No, Leah. It’s time to clean yore room. Come long now. Mammy and Pappy need to rest.” Leah tried to put on her best sulk face but Laura wasn’t having none of it. “Leah, if youse help with yore room, we can do somethin’ special, all right?”

“Special? Like make bwead pudding?” Leah smacked her lips.

“Shore thing Angel. Now kiss mammy and pappy and lets go work.” Leah dutifully kissed her parents and followed Laura to her room.

Charles knocked on the door, and Janine motioned him in. He smiled, kissing his daughter, “How are you Sweetheart?”

“I’m good now Papa. Happy very happy. Have a look at the babies. Aren’t they just something?” She gushed with happiness. Charles couldn’t help but be proud of her. She has grown into a beautiful, loving woman, he thought.

“And what are their names, Janine?” When she told them their names he smiled. “Thank you” he said quietly. “Marge wants to see the babies but she is quite tired. When she feels better, she will come see you.”

Janine nodded. “What did the doctor say Papa? Is she gonna be okay?”

“Mama is going to be fine. She has lung fever. She’ll still be sick for a long time but she is going to be with us for a long time yet.” Charles looked at her daughter, lying in the bed, with a huge smile on her face and tears in her eyes.

“Oh Papa! I’m so happy. I was so worried….”

“Hush Honey. I know. Me too. But things will be good now. I promise” Heath looked at father and daughter with tears in his eyes. He felt so relieved that things were going to be all right with Janine and her family. New babies, a new lease on life for his mother-in-law. Then he saddened. If only something positive could help Mother, he thought woefully. He held Janine’s hand as she held their daughter in her arms.

They made small talk and after a while Charles decided it was time to leave. “Tell Mama, I’ll be by to see her later on. I just need a nap. So tired,” she told her father.

He placed a kiss on her forehead and stroked her hair like he did when she was a little girl. “I love you Daughter,” he said, his voice full of emotion, “We are so proud of you, you know.” She simply stared at him. Heath took Rachel as she hugged her father tightly to her, never wanting to let go.

“I love you too Papa. Go now. Go to Mama. She needs you. I will see you a little later.” He smiled at her and stood up. He nodded his thanks to Heath and left the room, happy that his little family had expanded.

Janine and Heath lay upon the bed, hugging each other. They were glad to be alone once more, knowing that they soon would be bombarded by visitors in the next couple of days. They both yawned, the excitement and stress of the last couple of days finally catching up to them. They murmured to each other about how happy they were, sleep slowly overtaking them.

About a week later, Audra was visiting Janine, who was enjoying the fact that she can get up and walk around. She went outside with the twins and Laura brought out the rest of the children and they went for a walk around the gardens. The boys were running around the gardens while Leah stayed next to her mother. Laura took hold of their hands and made them walk with her while Janine pushed the stroller with the twins.

Audra stopped every few minutes to rub her back. “Audra are you okay?” Janine asked her friend in concern.

“Yes, I’m fine.” She replied, “I need to sit for a bit.” Janine bit her lip as she watched the blonde woman struggle to sit on the wooden bench. She fidgeted around for a while then stood up. “I think I’m going back into the house, Janey. I don’t feel so good and the pain is starting to worsen.”

Everyone turned and went back to the house taking Audra back to her old room so she could lie down. Janine put the twins to sleep in their cribs and headed off to find Victoria. She found Victoria sitting in the living room, talking to herself. “Victoria?” she said cautiously. Jarrod walked into the house just then. “Victoria, I need you upstairs. Audra is ready to have her baby!” She was getting impatient.

“Audra is upstairs?”

“YES!” she shouted then calmed down. “I think we need the doctor.” She headed upstairs to tend to Audra and to find her sisters-in-law. She found them each in their rooms and they all went to tend to Audra. Victoria came in after awhile, confused and dazed. Audra was crying because the pain was getting more intense and the three girls looked at each other. “We can do this, girls. I just had twins! I think I can remember what to do.” She joked. The girls looked at Janine in awe.

After a few hours, Dr. Merar came up and took over much to the girls’ relief. Dr. Merar observed Victoria who was busy talking to herself but every time Audra moaned and groaned, she turned an observant eye to her daughter. She sat beside Audra and held her hand. A few hours later in the wee hours of the morning, Audra gave birth.

Fred came quietly in to see the new member of the family. “Hi Fred. Meet your son.” She handed him the baby and he was leery of holding him. “Its okay Fred, he won’t break.”

“He looks just like you Audra.” Fred was in awe, being an only child, he wasn’t used to babies. He gave him back to Audra when he cried. “I’m afraid I am going to drop him.” Was his only comment. She laughed wearily, and fed the baby. “He needs a name, don’t you think?”

“I’ve been thinking of that Honey. How does Douglas Thomas Henry sound?” Fred thought about it and nodded.

“Both middle names are our father’s. I like it. Douglas Thomas Henry Benedict welcome to our family.” He caressed the baby’s bald head. “Do you think he is going to have hair?”

Audra laughed, “Of course Fred, he will change lots.”

“Whew! I thought he was going to be bald forever!” he teased her. “I love you Audra Victoria Benedict.” He said quietly as he kissed her. She smiled and kissed him back, happy to know that they had another addition to their family. Victoria had gone to bed after seeing the baby. She didn’t seem to impressed that there was another new addition, making Audra feeling a little sad.

“Maybe she will be back to normal tomorrow, Fred. I feel so bad, that she didn’t even acknowledge Douglas.” They put the baby into the crib and held each other while Audra sobbed. She was not used to her mother not being there when she needed her.

All the Barkley offspring watched their mother with trepidation. They really didn’t know what to expect from one day to the next. Some days she was so much like herself, it made for a happy house. She baked, made special meals, sewed with the women of the household. She laughed, and gossiped with them, going to afternoon socials. On these days, Jarrod sat her down and explained what the doctor told them weeks ago. She was angry that this was happening to her. She cried and kept her anger in private. She was scared but there was nothing she could do about it.

During these times she would sit in her chair and think about her long lost husband, Tom. She thought about him a lot more these days and what is was like when they were first settled in the west. They had lots of adventures together, built the ranch up from nothing to something grand. Tom stood by his values and fought for the good of the people. He died fighting for what he thought was right.

Victoria wiped tears from her eyes and remembered the day her oldest son was born. She went to the drawer and pulled out a baby picture of Jarrod. She caressed it lovingly, thinking about him. He was a kind, gentle soul that looked at life in different ways. He always sought out the good in people and held no prejudices. She was so proud when he married Jenny, it showed the strength of his convictions. He worked and played passionately, he held the family together when Tom had died tragically so long ago. Jarrod held a special place in her heart. All her children were special to her but Jarrod was the one she could always count on to get her through the rough spots in her life including this one.

She found a baby picture of Nick and smiled when she thought of all the scrapes he had gotten himself into through his growing years. Never one to sit still, he loved the land and had no use for school. He was always rambunctious and loved with a passion. He would hang on to that love and when something happened to it, he was badly hurt. He had the generous soul of his father, always giving more of himself, and expecting less in return. When Tom died, he hurt and poured himself into the ranch, trying to do the work of two men. He was a good boss, he barked orders but never gave more to the hands then what he would do himself. Nick worked hard, played hard but he was a good man. Victoria smiled when she thought of his wife, Chelsea. She was a good woman, loved with a passion and often put Nick in his place when it was needed.

Heath, she thought, not her son by blood but by her husband’s love for another woman. He was so much like Tom. His mannerisms, his smile, his love for all things. Heath had to fight Nick to have a place in the family but the fight was well worth it. She couldn’t imagine life without the quiet man. He loved with a passion, worked hard and never took anything for granted. She smiled as she looked at the family picture she had taken when he had been with the family for a few years. When he married Janine, his life seemed a lot happier and she loved him the same way. Never taking, always giving, both stubborn and a zest for life rarely seen in the west. Their children were a good example of their love for all things.

She rifled through her drawer and found a baby picture of Audra. Her last born, her only girl. They were very close and while growing up Audra depended a lot on her mother. Audra was thought to be spoiled, her brothers had a hand in spoiling her, but she had a great passion for animals and children. She spent many hours working with the orphaned children and taught school on occasion. She met and married Fred, making Victoria very proud. Audra had a penance for picking the wrong men, or her brothers would try to protect her from the men she dated. She hated the fact that she had so many brothers and many times her beaus were intimidated by the brothers’ presence. Fred stuck by his guns and eventually married Audra. The brothers had to agree he wasn’t half bad for their sister.

As she sat thinking about her children tears rolled down her face as she thought about what Jarrod had told her. She was slowly losing her mind, and there wasn’t anything she could do about it. But she knew that her children would look after her. They would protect her and do what they could for her. She would have to make sure all her affairs were in order before she couldn’t function normally. Until then, she would live her life as she always did, grieving for herself in private but keeping a stiff upper lip in public. She wouldn’t let this get her down, her children needed her as much as she needed them.

Janine was a lot happier now that she could be outside, doing all the things she wanted to do. Laura took care of the babies while she went outside and helped Leah with her pony. Heath taught her how to saddle the pony and was teaching her to ride. Leah proudly showed off to her mother her riding skills. Janine sat on the fence and watched her daughter ride, a big smile on her face.

As she sat on the fence, watching her daughter, she felt a presence beside her before she heard, “Boy howdy she’s gettin’ good!.” Janine smiled and patted the fence next to her. He climbed up beside her, putting his work gloves into his back pocket. They sat in silence watching their first born, each showing the pride on their faces. “How’s the day treatin’ ya, my pretty?” he asked her moving closer, placing a kiss on her cheek.

She glanced at him sitting there, with his half grin pasted on his face, watching his daughter. “It’s great to be out of my room and outside Heath. I’ve been watching Leah for a while, I think its time I went in and checked on the babies though. Laura must be wondering where I went to.” She motioned to Leah to come see her, and she jumped down into the paddock. “Leah!”

“Yeah Mama?”

“You’re doing good.”

“Thank you Mama.” She observed her parents sitting side by side on the fence. “You gonna go in?”

“Yes Sweetheart. I have to feed the babies and relieve Laura for a while. I reckon she’ll need a holiday soon, don’t ya think, Heath?”

“I reckon so, Janey,” agreed Heath. “Lil One, I reckon its time to take care of Star.”

“Awww Papa. Me wanna wide more.” Heath smiled at the look his daughter was giving him, making him weak. “I was always a sucker for a pretty face,” he told her, “Only for a little while, it’s getting close to lunch.”

Janine kissed Heath then headed back into the house. She glanced behind her, and saw that Heath was watching their daughter ride, giving instructions when she seemed to falter. She smiled and continued to the house. Yes, I’m lucky to have such a thoughtful, caring husband, who has such patience.

All was not going well when she entered the house. Laura had the boys downstairs and they were running around, making a huge mess. The babies were crying, and immediately Janine felt guilty. Cat was being fed by Jenny and Audra had her son and feeding him. She picked up Little Nicky and Rachel, finding their bottles made all ready, she tried to feed them both. Propping Little Nicky up on the couch, with pillows she fed him the bottle while feeding Rachel in her arms. This was tougher then she thought.

After a while Leah and Heath came in for lunch which Silas had prepared. Chicken soup and roast beef sandwiches. Victoria swept into the room and went into the billiards room. Everyone looked at each other, then Heath sped after her. When he caught up to her she was pouring the bottles of wine onto the floor. Heath slowly approached her and grasped the bottles. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Mother.” She turned to look at him, throwing him a vicious stare. He stepped back when she attacked him, slapping him, screaming at him then burst out crying when he grabbed her arms to stop the attack.

He guided her back to the settee and sat with her, rocking her as she sobbed. She looked around the room, but did not know what she did, till Heath explained to her. “I can’t take more of this Heath.” she told him, her voice cracking.

He nodded, knowing how she felt but he needed to say something to reassure her. “Mother. Don’t worry. No matter what happens, we’re all here to help ya. You’re not goin’ through this alone. You have Jarrod, Nick, Audra and me. We love you and will always take care of ya. Janey and I will be moving back to our house soon, but I’ll be here everyday. Mother if I never told ya before, but I’ve been real happy since I found ya. Ya made me feel welcome when I first came here.”

Hearing this son of her husband’s speak when he was usually quiet, was a wonder to her. He meant the words from the bottom of his heart and it brought tears to her eyes. She reached up and touched his rough face. “Thank you son, you brought completeness to my life. You are something else, my son.” She got up, reached her hand to his and they walked out of the room. She seemed like her self for at least a while to enjoy her extended family.

Heath took Rachel from Janine and finished feeding her while she changed Little Nicky’s diaper. She placed him in the crib then picked up David who was begging to be lifted up. He was starting to talk now, saying mama, papa, hi, were among his limited vocabulary. Janine smiled as he gurgled some other words and she tossed him around a little. She brought David and picked up Freddy taking them into the dining room to eat lunch. The rest followed suit and lunch was eaten in a leisurely fashion.

After lunch Laura and Janine put the children to bed and Leah followed her mother around the house. “Mama?”

“Yes Leah.”

“Can we see Gama Marg” Janine nodded and went to the guest room and knocked on the door. They heard an audible voice telling them to come in. They entered the room and Marge was sitting up looking a lot better then a few days before. “Hi Gama. How you feelin’?”

“Hi Leah. I feel fine. How are you?”

“I good.” Janine sat in the overstuffed chair beside the bed while Leah sat on the beside her gramma. “I is so glad you’re better. Maybe we pway sometime?” The grandmother nodded her silver haired head and listened as her granddaughter spoke about Star and all the things Papa was teaching her. “You watch me?” she asked.

“Yes maybe tomorrow I’ll come watch you. Janine, Papa and I will be coming downstairs for supper. I feel so much better.” Janine smiled and hugged her mother.

“I’m so happy, but don’t overdo it okay Mama?” Oh Gosh! I sound just like my husband, she thought, smiling. “Do you want to go downstairs and sit? I know what its like to be laid up for so long.” Marge nodded eagerly. Charles had been helping Heath and Nick learning about the ranch and what goes into taking care of such a large spread.

Charles was riding the fence line with Heath when he noticed the man droop forward on his mount. “Heath are you okay?” When Heath sat up and looked at his father-in-law he saw that he wasn’t well. All the stress of the last few months had taken their toll on Heath. “Come on Son, let’s get you home.”

Heath shook his head and rode on. He felt weak but he refused to give in to his sickness. The last few months he had been putting his feelings aside and trying to be strong for everyone. Strong for his wife, who was carrying his babies. Worried about the pregnancy and what would happen once the actual birthing happened. He worried with her about her mother, and was relieved that she was going to be okay. Most of all, worried about his step mother. She was having more off days then on. He felt guilty about wanting to move back to his own place and leaving the care of Victoria to Nick and Jarrod.

Charles rode along side of the cowboy, worrying about him. He is a stubborn one, he thought to himself. He had to get Heath home and wasn’t quite how to break through his stubborn shell. “Heath you aren’t going to do my daughter and grandchildren any good if you get sick.” Heath stopped. He knew that, he just wasn’t thinking properly. He hadn’t eaten all day as his stomach just wouldn’t accept food. He actually hadn’t been feeling good for a couple of days but he didn’t let on to anybody. Even Janine didn’t realize. She was too busy with the children.

After a while, Heath turned Charger around, nodding to Charles and headed back home. He really didn’t feel well. When they got back, he handed the reins to Ciego and headed into the house. He went upstairs, barely acknowledging anyone and flopped on the bed. He had to admit it, he was sick.

Janine followed him upstairs and saw him laying on the bed, shivering, with a glassy look in his eyes. She touched his forehead and gasped. He was burning up. She gently took his boots off, and got him to lay under the blankets. “Heath why didn’t ya tell me you were sick?”

“I didn’t want to worry ya.”

“What is it you’re always tellin’ me?”

“I dunno. What do I tell ya?” He asked wearily, barely able to keep his eyes open.

“We are married and we aren’t supposed to hide things from one another, member?” he simply nodded and closed his eyes. She caressed his hair lovingly, “We’ll discuss it later. Right now, you rest. I’m gonna go talk to your brothers for a minute or two. Be right back.” He nodded and in a minute he was sleeping. She couldn’t believe it. He never falls asleep like that, he must be sick, she mused as she left the room in search of Nick and Jarrod.

“Oh Nick, so glad to run into you. Heath is sick. Can you send someone for the doctor?” Janine was wringing her hands and pacing. She was not used to her husband being sick.

“Calm down Neen. I’ll send someone for Howard then see if Mother is able to see to Heath. Okay?” She nodded. Nick put his arm around Janine’s shoulders. “Don’t worry he’s gotten sick before and always pulled through. Go sit with him. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

She hugged him back and thanked him. “I’m such a ninny when it comes to him being sick. I feel so helpless.” Nick smiled faintly. She opened the bedroom door and went in. Heath was still sleeping, so she took a cold cloth and wiped his forehead. She placed a kiss on his cheek and he moaned. “I love you Heath. Get well soon. I can’t stand to see ya layin’ here like this.” She sat beside him, wiping his brow, and holding his hand and talking quietly till Nick came in with Victoria.

“Oh Tom,” she said as she took the cloth from Janine and wiped his brow. Janine looked at her mother-in-law quizzically but wouldn’t let go of Heath’s hand. “Tom I told you that you shouldn’t be out in this weather. Oh Tom!” she moaned. Victoria sat beside Heath, talking to him as if he were Tom. After a while, Nick managed to convince Victoria to get some rest. He would look after him. Victoria reluctantly agreed and swept out of the room.

Howard entered the room and immediately assessed the situation. He pulled out his stethoscope and checked his chest. He felt his head, and his pulse. Then put his tools back into his black bag and looked at Janine, motioning her out in the hall. “Heath will be okay. He is just exhausted, with all that has been happening lately. Let him sleep, he really needs it. Then tell him to take a few days off from working. Just relax.”

“How long before his fever comes down?”

“Can’t tell you that but keep an eye on him and keep the cool cloths on him. When he wakes up, feed him broth. I don’t think he’s eaten much in the last few days.”

“Thank you so much Howard.” She shook his hand. He tipped his hat at her and descended down the stairs. Nick was still sitting with his brother, mopping his brow and speaking quietly to him.

“Hey Little Brother, I seen Joey the other day. He is one mighty big boy now. He said to say howdy and wants to know when he can work with us.” Janine smiled, Heath had introduced her to Joey and told her the story of how they came to know him. Her husband had a big heart and could never refuse a child. He said if he had been married, he would have taken the boy himself. Janine put her hand on Nick’s shoulder and squeezed gently. Nick looked up and saw that she had tears in her eyes.

“Let me look after him now, Nick. Doc said he would be okay. He’s just exhausted. You go so see Chelsea, she needs you.” Nick smiled faintly at her, very proud of this sister-in-law of his. He placed his large hand on hers and squeezed. “Thank ya Nick. You’re a good brother.”

Nick looked forlornly at his brother and left the room. He opened the door to his room and saw that his wife was laying on their bed, waiting for him to come in. She held out her arms to him and he went into them happily. They held each other, and spoke quietly to her about Heath. “He was trying too hard not to show his feelings, Chel. It made him sick. So Neen is there looking after him and sent me back here.”

“I’m glad she did. I missed you Nick” She kissed him passionately, savoring his salty taste. He moaned and found her lips, kissing her back just as passionately. Without realizing what was happening, they had shed their clothes and their passions overtook them. They lay there, on top of the blankets, caressing each other, kissing and murmuring between the kisses. They spoke of the baby and what they expected to be like when they became parents. They laughed at the stories Nick told her about when he was a boy. She told him a few stories as well. “We were quite the kids, wouldn’t ya say, Chel?”

“We sure were Nicky. I think Mama kept me doing chores all the time, just because of my attitude. I was a surly child.”

“You surly? Never!” Nick pretended to be surprised. She slapped his bare chest then kissed it. “I love you Chelsea.” She kissed his chest and worked her way up to his lips, making him groan with pleasure. She giggled quietly as she nibbled on his ear. “Chelsea! The way you make me feel!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled closer. Once again they gave in to their passions and fell asleep soon after.

Jarrod checked on Heath a little while later, only to find Janine laying beside him sleeping. He checked Heath’s forehead and found that he was cooling down. He smiled at the sleeping couple and left the room. He went to his room and found Jenny reading a book. She looked over the book and smiled at her husband. He undressed for bed and crawled under the covers. He stuck his head under her book and grinned at her. She giggled as he looked up at her and snuck a kiss the curve of her neck. She held the book open over his back and tried to read over his head. It didn’t work as he was distracting her with his kisses.

“Are you going to put the book away?”

“Why Jarrod?”

“Because I want to talk” retorted the lawyer sitting up and brushing hair out of her face.

“About what?”

“About Mother” She put the book down and looked at her husband whose eyes were filling with tears as he thought about her. He sat up and drew her into his arms. She put her arms around him and held him tight as he spoke the words she knew he was going to say. “I want to stay in Stockton. Raise our children here. We can build a house on the ranch.”

“And your practice in San Francisco?” She held her breath, she didn’t want him to give it up. He worked too hard to give it up now.

“I’ll keep it. We will go once a month and stay for a couple of weeks, keeping close contact with the family. So that if anything happens, we can be right back with in a few hours.” Jenny nodded, caressing his chest absentmindedly, thinking about what he said.

She slowly nodded, turning around and faced him. “I love you Jarrod. I will do whatever it is what you want or need to do. I understand the need for you to stay and help your mother. I will support you in this. Your family needs you. I would love to have a house of our own but its not necessary. We can stay right here.”

“Jenny! You will have your house, it may take a while, but you will have your house. I love you as well, pretty lady.” He kissed her passionately then turned out the light.. Worried about Victoria and now Heath, it was a long time before they both fell asleep.

The next morning, Janine woke up, and saw that Heath was awake but lying still. “G’morning Love,” she said to him, smiling. “How are ya feelin’?”

“I feel much better, Janey. What happened?”

“Ya don’t remember?” He shook his head sadly. “Ya came home from work and collapsed on the bed. Ya had a high fever.” She reached a hand to his forehead, “ much better. I’ll get ya some broth.” Heath made a face. “Howard said ya had to eat broth since it looks like ya weren’t eating proper.” He looked startled at what she said then downcast, realizing what could have happened.

“I’m sorry Janey. I was just so worried about everyone. I didn’t want anyone worrying about me.”

“Heath Morgan Thomson Barkley!” He gulped. He knew he was in for it now. “You will listen to me and listen to me good!” He winced at the tone in her voice. “You are my husband. I love you. You love me, correct?” He nodded slowly, “You worry bout me, correct?” Again he nodded. “Why can’t I worry about you?” He looked at her incredulously, he never thought about that. He was always telling her that he was the one to worry, she didn’t need to. Now that he made himself sick, he saw that he needed to share the worry with her. He was not being very fair to her. “WELL?”

“I’m sorry Janey. I made a bad error in judgment.”

“You’re darn tootin’ ya did! Don’t do it again!”

He smiled and tried to kiss her, but she wouldn’t have none of that. “I’m going to get Silas to bring you some broth. You are to stay in bed for the next couple of days then to take a holiday from the ranch. Go fishing, have some fun.” He watched her as she rose off the bed and went to the door. “I have to go check on the children, they probably wanna get up and be fed.” With that she walked out the door and smiled to herself. That should teach him for being so stubborn, she thought, chuckling. I’ll just give him a while by himself then I’ll talk to him again.

She checked on the children but Laura already had them up and was making their beds while they played. Leah was doing a good job keeping them entertained. Janine bid them good morning, and chuckled as they clambered over her. She played with them for a bit then said she had to go feed the babies. Laura told them it was time for breakfast, anyway, and herded them downstairs.

Janine went back into the bedroom where Heath was slowly feeding himself some broth. She picked up Little Nicky and fed him. He was a greedy eater, finishing his bottle quickly. She burped him then changed his diaper before Rachel started crying. She picked up Rachel, her face red from crying, and gave her the bottle.

Heath finished his broth and laid back on his pillow, watching as Janine fed Rachel. He smiled in spite of himself. He was feeling much better, but was still exhausted. Thinking about what she said, he realized she had been right. He didn’t want to burden her with his fears, knowing that she had enough dealing with her mother and the babies. He really hadn’t given much thought as to what would happen to him if he kept all his fears and anxiety locked away inside of him. Yes, he mused, I’d better clear this up soon.

Janine finished with Rachel, changing her diaper and lying her in the crib with her twin. She eyed her husband warily, wondering why he was staring at her with that half smile of his. She made her way to the bed and sat beside him. He took her hand in his and kissed her long fingers. “Don’t be angry with me, my pretty,” he pleaded, his eyes searching hers.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t be mad at you.” She said while he kissed each finger and tasted the saltiness of them. She shuddered at the sensations he was making. He pulled her closer, inhaling the rose scent in her hair. Her heart was pounding as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“Because I love ya, that’s why” He said just as his mouth claimed hers in a burning kiss that left them both breathless.

She pulled away and peered into his blue eyes, “Heath! You’re supposed to be sick!” She told him. He bowed his head guiltily and she giggled. “Oh you’re so silly!”

“I am tired though, my pretty” He lay back down on the pillow and closed his eyes. The room started to spin and he felt the broth wanting to come back up. “I think I will save that for tomorrow.” He told her.

She nodded, “Ya rest and I’ll go see about breakfast. The others will want to know how ya are this morning. I guess I should tell them that you’ll be okay.” He nodded and swallowed. “Heath are ya okay?” He sat up quick, and Janine found him a bucket. He let go of the broth, feeling a lot better after having done so. She wiped his brow and fluffed the pillow behind him. He smiled weakly at her and closed his eyes. “Rest, Honey. I’ll be back shortly.” She kissed his cheek and squeezed his hand. He smiled and squeezed back as sleep took over.

She went downstairs for breakfast and saw that everyone was just beginning to eat. “How’s Heath?” asked Nick.

“He’s feeling better, he ate some broth, but it didn’t sit well. He just fell back to sleep. So I thought I’d come and get some breakfast.” She saw her children were eating and keeping quiet.

Leah spoke up first. “Mama?”

“Yeah Leah?”

“Is Papa all wight?”

“Papa is fine. He is just really tired, right now.”

“He not sick like Gama Mawge?”

“No. Not like Grandma Marge. He will be fine in a couple of days.”

“I see him?”

“In a little while, we need to let him rest.” She ate her food and looked around the table. Everyone had finished eating and was listening to this exchange. Jarrod smiled at the mother and daughter scene. He couldn’t wait until Cat was big enough to hold conversations. Nick thought about what his child would be like at three. Victoria sat in silence as she listened to the conversation. She watched in rapt attention then got up to leave the table. Jarrod rose from his chair and escorted her to the living room.

After breakfast, Janine helped clear the table and do the dishes with Jenny and Chelsea. Then she took some broth and juice on a tray and headed up the back stairs to their room. Leah followed her, wanting to see her father, to make sure he was all right.

She opened the door gingerly, seeing that Nick was sitting with Heath playing a game of cards. She smiled and set the food in front of Heath. “I imagine you’re hungry?”

“Papa!” shouted Leah and scampered up the bed to hug her father.

“Easy Leah” warned Janine but Heath scooped her up in a big bear hug and nuzzled her neck, making her squeal. Nick and Janine smiled, knowing that he felt better. “Heath!” admonished Janine when he got a little bit too rambunctious with his daughter. The babies started crying and Laura brought the boys in to see Heath as well. The bedroom was busy. Nick picked up Freddy and hugged him. Then put him down and picked up David. Freddy tugged on Nicks pants so he picked him back up and held both boys.

“Boy howdy Janine! You’re bossy today!” he teased her. Nick grinned and tickled the boys making them squeal. Heath ate his broth, a little more eagerly then earlier causing him to comment, “I hate broth! Can’t I have something more nourishing?”

Janine sat beside him holding Rachel, feeding her and smiling, “Ya can have somethin’ more solid when ya can keep that broth down.” She looked down at Rachel, finding that she was almost asleep, the bottle slipping out of her mouth. She slowly rose off the bed and put her gingerly into the crib. She picked up Little Nicky, and sat back down on the bed. Leah was watching her father, taking his dishes when he was done eating.

“I’ll be back Papa.” She announced as she was leaving the room.

“Okay Lil One. I’ll be here!” he drawled. The room started to spin and he closed his eyes. Nick saw that Heath was ready to go back to sleep so he took the boys with him while he said his good byes. Janine gave the boys each a kiss on the top of the head telling him that Laura was probably resting in her room.

“Thanks Neen but I think I’ll keep them with me for a bit. I wanna get to know my nephews. I’ll bring them back for naps in a while.” He left the room with both the boys, making them laugh all the way down the hall. It was a happy sound and it made Janine happy that they had such devoted relatives.

Leah came back after a while but she shooed her out because Heath was sleeping. “Go find Grandma Marg and see if she wants to play dolls with you.” Leah cast an eye at her sleeping father and sighed.

“I guess Mama. Tell Papa, wove you.”

“I will Leah. I am goin’ to have a nap too.” Leah went out of the room, dejectedly, and headed towards the guest room. She knocked on the door and went in. Janine closed their door and crawled into bed, falling asleep almost instantly. Between all the children, and caring for Heath she was exhausted.

Heath woke up and noticed his wife sleeping. He couldn’t resist pushing a lock of hair off her face. He leaned over and kissed her. She moaned, but didn’t wake up so Heath moved closer and caressed her face. She opened an eye slowly and found a pair of sapphire eyes staring lovingly at her. She smiled a sleepy smile and embraced him. She placed a kiss on his adam’s apple and he groaned in approval. His hands roamed her back, pulling her closer. He threw his leg over hers pulling her leg between his. Her hands were caressing the back of his neck and twirling her fingers through his blond hair. They found each other’s lips and kissed each other with a long lost passion. When they came up for air, Janine asked quietly, “How are ya feelin’?”

“Much better, thank ya.” he replied placing small gentle kisses on her face. “You’re so beautiful Janey.” His voice was huskily whispered into her ear. She shivered at the tone, and kissed him slowly, nibbling at his bottom lip. He stroked her side, following the contours of her body. She turned and lay on her back, his hand moved to her stomach. He searched her body and his hand slowly reached around, undoing the buttons on her dress. She sighed involuntarily when she undid the buttons of his shirt and caressed the soft hair that covered his chest. Their clothes finally off, they lay on the bed, admiring, caressing, and loving each other.

The babies started waking up and were crying, interrupting any further thoughts of romance. They sighed, kissed each other a few more minutes then reluctantly moved away from each other. She picked up her clothes and reluctantly dressed. She picked up Little Nicky and changed his diaper. She handed him to Heath then went to pick up Rachel who also needed a change of clothes. She sighed involuntarily and thought about her husband making her blush slightly. She couldn’t believe that almost four years of marriage to this wonderful man and he still made her heart beat a little faster whenever he touched or looked at her.

The babies fed and changed, they put them back into their cribs. Janine kissed Heath, saying she was going to bring them some lunch. He nodded, “Solid food?”

She smiled, “Ya held down that broth, we’ll see about something solid. I’ll surprise ya, how’s that?” Heath closed his eyes but nodded slowly. She leaned over him and kissed him slowly and playfully, “we’ll finish this later. Ya get some rest. I love ya.”

He played back while whispering, “K, my pretty, I’m plum tuckered. Ya wore me out.” She caressed his face, and rose from the bed. “I’ll be back soon. Maybe ya can come down for supper if ya feel up to it.” She heard shallow breathing instead of an answer, she smiled and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Leah helped Janine prepare lunch for their little family, boys included to be eaten with their father. She wanted to give Laura a break for a couple of hours because she had been working extra hard taking care of the three children while they took care of the babies. Janine felt guilty using her childhood friend as a nanny, but when she tried to talk to her about it, Laura just shrugged her shoulders and told her, “Don’t worry about it Mrs. Jane. I is workin’ for youse. My mammy did it for yore mammy and I is doin’ for youse chillins. I is so glad to see youse again. I is very happy. Youse and Mr. Heath need help and I is glad to help. Now, be off with youse. I’se busy.”

Janine put some milk, crackers, sandwiches and a tureen of beef noodle soup on to a tray. On another tray, she put napkins, bowls, glasses, and utensils they needed to eat with. “Can ya carry this tray?” Janine queried Leah indicating the tray with the dishes.

“Sure Mama.” She carefully picked up the tray with both hands and very slowly made her way up the stairs. Janine picked up the other tray and followed suit. When they got to the closed door of the room, Janine balanced the tray on her waist supported with her hand and opened the door.

Heath was just waking up from his nap and sat up. They set the trays onto the table, Leah went to her father and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be right back, just going to get the boys.” She left the room and came back after a bit with the boys, sitting them at the table. Janine poured the soup into the bowls and set them out in front of the children and set the tureen on the dressing table. She took everything off the trays and set two bowls of soup on the trays, some sandwiches and poured milk for everyone. She brought one tray and set it in front of Heath. She checked the children, making sure they were eating and sat on the bed with her tray. They ate in a leisurely style enjoying their time together as a family.

After they ate Janine collected all the garbage and dishes, setting them back on the trays to take them downstairs later. The children scampered up on the bed to talk to their father, effectively shutting out their mother. That was all right though, the babies decided to choose that moment to wake up. She poured milk into the bottles and sat at the table, feeding Little Nicky who was living up to his namesake in loudness.

Laura knocked on the door, walking in and assessing the scene. The children were on the bed listening to their father telling a wild story of make believe. She went over to the cradle, picking up Rachel, and found a bottle for her. They sat side by side, the two women, talking of trivial things, quietly listening to him tell his stories. Janine grinned when Heath told a story about a cowboy and his horse. It was an actual story about himself, but he made it sound like it was about someone else. She finished feeding Little Nicky and changed his diaper. Laura finished with Rachel and they put both the babies in their cribs. Laura told the children it was time for their naps, but they didn’t want to leave right away. Laura used a tone in her voice, that made them listen. Janine and Heath smiled at each other, she was good!

After a while, Marge and Charles knocked on their door, and walked in. Janine was happy to see her mother feeling better. “Hi Mama! Hi Papa!” greeted Janine.

“Well son, you’re looking much better.” Charles smiled at Heath.

“I reckon I do,” teased Heath. “I feel much better, been plum tuckered. I hate lyin’ around but have to do what wife says. She’s mean!” He cast an eye towards Janine who was steeling herself for some teasing. The older couple chuckled as they watched the interaction between the younger pair.

“Daughter, are you sure you’re not doing too much? You’re looking a little peaked.”

“No Mama. I’m fine, I’ve been nappin’ when the babies sleep, tryin’ to catch up on some of that missed sleep.” Marge smiled as she sat on the bed, looking a little worse for wear.

“We just came to tell ya Heath, Janine. That we’re going to sell our place in New York and come west.” Janine was speechless. She didn’t know what to say, they had talked about it, but never pictured her parents out here.

“And what do you plan to do once you come out here?” Janine put her hand to her mouth. That didn’t come out right, she thought. The question was out, and she looked at her parents, expectedly.

Charles cleared his throat, noticing the tone in his daughter’s voice, but ignoring it, “I am going to run a very small spread.” He said proudly, puffing his chest. Janine gawked at him incredulously.

“You run a ranch?”

Marge gasped. “Janine Marie! That was incredibly rude!”

“But Mama! Neither one of you have ran a ranch before! Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” Heath put a reassuring hand on her arm.

“Janey.” He said it quietly but with meaning.

Janine stopped berating her parents and listened to them as they outlined their plans to her. She nodded, agreeing that it sounded reasonable. “But what if it doesn’t work out? What will ya do then?”

“Janine, I have the banking to fall back on. I always wanted to do this and your mother has agreed. We aren’t getting any younger, you know.”

“I know Papa. I’m just scared that you’re taking on too much.”

“Thank you Sweetheart. I’m glad you care that much. I promise you and your mother this. If I feel its too much, we’ll sell the land and get a house in town.” He smiled and grasped his wife’s hand as he said this. He made this promise to her in the privacy of their room. “Besides we want to be close to you and the grandchildren.”

“I like that idea Papa. Sorry about my attitude, you took me by surprise. And I’m real glad that you’re moving here. I always thought you would be stuck in New York.”

“I’m tired of the city, Janine. All the rush, rush, hurry up and wait pace gets to a person. I like it here, slow and easy.” Charles had a dreamy, far away look on his face, with a slight smile. Marge, watched her husband, knowing that this was what he truly wanted and that made her happy. Now she could get to know her daughter and her family a lot better.

They talked about the moving plans and other trivial things before Marge tired. Charles guided her out of the room after saying good bye to them and they would see them at dinner. Just as they were leaving, Jarrod brought Victoria in to visit a while. She was having a good day, so she checked him over and decided he was feeling well enough that he could come down for supper. Heath smiled and spoke to Jarrod about what was happening around the ranch.

Nick came in and visited with Heath as did Audra and Fred with Douglas. They just needed to reassure themselves that he was all right. He gave them all a fright, being sick all of a sudden like he was. Everyone, including Janine, realized just how much they were dependent on this blond haired cowboy. They expected him to be an invincible man, ignoring everything to help his family out.

They talked about it that night as they waited for sleep to overtake them. They promised each other they wouldn’t take each other for granted and Heath promised to share his fears with his wife. They fell asleep that night, knowing that everything would be all right soon.

Two weeks later, Marge and Charles left for San Francisco to see Dr. Krauss to see if there was anything else that needed to be done before they left for New York. They would be back in the spring to stay. They had business to take care of, selling their house and saying goodbye to their friends and relatives. It was a bittersweet time for them.

Heath and Janine moved their family back home. Laura and Janine had been cleaning up the house, airing it out so they could move back in. Heath brought back their livestock from the main ranch. It was so good to be home, they thought as they watched Leah and the boys running around the tree. Laura was inside putting the babies down for a nap and having a rest herself. Heath went to the barn to check on the horses while Janine followed him.

“Heath?”

“How are ya feelin’?”

“Happy” He took Titan out of the stall and started currying her. He looked at her quizzically, “Why do ya ask?”

“No reason,” she replied. “I’m so glad to be home, Heath.” She picked up the curry brushed and worked on the other side of Titan.

“Yeah it’s nice. I’m worried about mother, though.”

“Me too, Heath. I will go over as often as I can to visit her.” Heath nodded. “You know if your mother was herself, she wouldn’t like all this worrying about her.”

“I reckon, my pretty. She took care of me when I was sick or hurt plenty of times, I reckon its my turn.” He stopped brushing for a few minutes while he thought about Victoria. “She accepted me as I was when I first came, knew what I was, her husband’s mistake yet she accepted me. That’s a strong woman, Janey.” She stopped brushing and went over to him. She put her arms around his neck and drew his head down to hers.

“Heath, always remember that. Always remember the woman she was. The woman who loved you like one of her own. A strong woman who didn’t let rumors and bad talk ruin your family name. She loves you for who you are Heath, a kind, gentle man, who loves without a care for himself.” She took his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. “I can’t promise you that she will be okay Heath. But I can promise that I’ll always be with you. When ever you feel unhappy, lean on me. We’ll get through this together.” Heath smiled at his wife and her speech. She meant every word, she loved him with all her heart.

That night, sitting on their beloved swing, they snuggled together. They were very glad to be home, their now large family snuggled under their roof. They kissed lightly, thinking of days to come. They listened to the crickets and heard an owl off in the distance. Janine sighed audibly, loving the feel of her husband’s arm around her. Heath pulled her onto his lap and kissed her passionately. “I love ya, my pretty.” He whispered as he nibbled her ear.

She shuddered and hugged him close as she returned the passion. “Let’s go to bed, Honey.” Heath yawned and nodded. Janine stood up and offered her hand to helped him up. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. They moaned together, savoring the closeness of their bodies. They pulled apart, going into the house, hand in hand, making sure the house was secure and went to bed.

Once in bed, they wasted no time in getting to know one another. They missed the closeness that brought them together. They kissed hungrily and reached for each other. Hands caressing, reaching for each other’s buttons and undoing them. Heath slowed down, wanting this night to last and be remembered. Janine followed suit and kissed him slowly, tenderly and enjoyed his administrations to her. She groaned in pleasure. “Heath” she whispered in his ear, her hot breath causing him to go over the edge. “I love you”

“I love you too Janine.” Their passions took hold of them and sent them soaring over the highest mountains again and again. It was over all too soon. They laid there after savoring the feeling and kissing tenderly. Heath laid beside her, caressing her body and lying his head on her chest. When they got their breaths back, they fell asleep embracing each other. They woke up many times during the night, continued to love each other then fell asleep.

The next morning they woke up and tended to their kids. Laura took care of her charges, and enjoying the freedom of her work but Janine wanted to feel apart of their lives. So she often let Laura do something else while she cared for them. It was a happy but bittersweet time for them. Laura and Janine often did things together like the tedious chores in addition to caring for the children. She enjoyed the company when Heath was away on the ranch.

They went over to the main house once a week, on Sunday, to visit and have dinner with them. They watched as Victoria deteriorated before their eyes but decided not to call attention to it. Instead they included her in their games and played along with her games. It was hard for them to watch the beloved matriarch like this, but they had to accept it and move on. It was the way Victoria would want it.

They gave Laura the day off so she could go to her church and be with her friends on that day. Laura didn’t want to take the day off , but they insisted. So she relented, and enjoyed it, but really missed the children. She was so good with them, disciplining them and loving them like they were her own.

One night as Heath and Janine sat on their swing, holding each other, they thought about the days to come. They thought about their life together and what it held for them in the future. It was not going to be easy with Victoria being sick, but they knew with the love of the family they could endure anything. The family ties are strong and in the Barkley family, the bond was very strong. A bond that could not be broken.

THE END